Opening Statement by Ms. Navi Pillay, High Commissioner for Human Rights to the Commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Human Rights Council, 19th session

Geneva, 21 March 2012

Excellencies,
Esteemed Keynote Speaker, Rev. Jackson,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very happy to welcome you to the commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Annually, on this day, we are reminded of how one day in one country, 69 women and men, girls and boys, were massacred by the security forces of the then apartheid South Africa, because of the colour of their skin and because they peacefully protested against the policies of segregation, degradation and the denial of rights. In their honour and memory, this day stands as a reminder of our individual and collective responsibilities to act firmly to combat racial discrimination and intolerance.

The history of mankind is replete with lurid stories of avoidable suffering, deprivation, violence and conflict arising from racism and prejudice. Recent events in various parts of the globe point to the need for concerted action by all, in responding to the challenges posed by prejudice.

Last year, we commemorated the tenth anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA). On that occasion, the General Assembly held a High-Level meeting that adopted a Political Declaration, which reaffirmed the DDPA as a comprehensive United Nations framework and solid foundation for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Despite global efforts the challenges in combating racism remain daunting.

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

The theme of this year’s commemoration aims to focus attention on the relationship between racism and conflict. Racism and xenophobia have created chasms in societies and oftentimes provide, propel and perpetuate narratives that propagate and sustain conflict. Racism and intolerance are often at the root of conflict and frequently the human rights violations that take place during conflict are a manifestation of racial and ethnic discriminatory policies and practices. Racial and ethnic groups are sometimes stigmatized and targeted resulting in war crimes, crimes against humanity or even genocide. I know first-hand as a former international judge how the dissemination of hate messages lead to massacres, brutality, systematic rape and sexual violence, and eventually genocide, as was the case in Rwanda. Racism and prejudice have been used as powerful weapons to engender fear or hatred of others in times of conflict or war, and have been used as tools to mobilize one group against the other during conflict or in order to provoke conflict.

The challenge posed by racism and conflict stares us in the face. Forty seven years after the adoption of the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and over a decade after the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, the evidence of this challenge remains overwhelming. Racism is still with us and continues to raise its ugly head with deadly resonance in several societies. The promise of the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has not been realised.
Racism and intolerance continue to cause conflicts and undermine peace and security. Like every human rights issue, racism throws up the critical protection needs of those affected by it, and those most vulnerable to it. As High Commissioner, I urge all of us to spare no effort in taking up the gauntlet to respond to the challenge of racism and intolerance in all corners of the world.

We must challenge racism at all levels - at the individual, institutional and cultural levels, as well as at the national and international. The struggle for a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society must continue to command our attention. Our societies must be grounded on the principles of equality and non-discrimination. Until this becomes a reality the dream of international peace, to paraphrase a famous musician, will remain a fleeting illusion. 

I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the critical contributions made by all people, institutions and countries who focused global attention on the perils of racism and helped to develop the current framework for response. I welcome the progress made by the CERD, the Durban Follow-up Mechanisms, the Special Rapporteur on racism and other special mechanisms. All these efforts must translate into actual progress on the ground and in the daily lives of people, eliminating impediments towards a world free of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

To address us today on the theme of today’s commemoration, racism and conflict, is Rev Jesse Jackson, Founder and President of Rainbow Push Coalition. Reverend Jackson needs no introduction. Suffice it to say that in the last forty years, he has played a pivotal role in virtually every movement for empowerment, peace, civil rights, gender equality and economic and social justice. For his contributions he has received several honours and awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Clinton in 2000 and the Global Diversity and Inclusion Award in 2009 by Prime Minister Gordon Brown. He has acted many times as an international envoy in Syria, Kosovo, Kuwait, Iraq and Liberia. We are glad that he is able to join us today and to present the keynote speech. 

Once again, thank you all for your participation and interest in this important subject. Together with you I look forward to an inspiring keynote speech and further exchanges.

Thank you.