|
1. We
declare that for the purpose of the present Declaration and Programme of
Action, the victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance are individuals or groups of individuals who are or
have been negatively affected by, subjected to, or targets of these
scourges;
2. We
recognize that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance occur on the grounds of race, colour, descent or national or
ethnic origin and that victims can suffer multiple or aggravated forms
of discrimination based on other related grounds such as sex, language,
religion, political or other opinion, social origin, property, birth or
other status;
3. We
recognize and affirm that, at the outset of the third millennium, a
global fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance and all their abhorrent and evolving forms and
manifestations is a matter of priority for the international community,
and that this Conference offers a unique and historic opportunity for
assessing and identifying all dimensions of those devastating evils of
humanity with a view to their total elimination through, inter alia,
the initiation of innovative and holistic approaches and the
strengthening and enhancement of practical and effective measures at the
national, regional and international levels;
4. We
express our solidarity with the people of Africa in their continuing
struggle against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance and recognize the sacrifices made by them, as well as their
efforts in raising international public awareness of these inhuman
tragedies;
5. We
also affirm the great importance we attach to the values of solidarity,
respect, tolerance and multiculturalism, which constitute the moral
ground and inspiration for our worldwide struggle against racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, inhuman tragedies
which have affected people throughout the world, especially in Africa,
for too long;
6. We
further affirm that all peoples and individuals constitute one human
family, rich in diversity. They have contributed to the progress
of civilizations and cultures that form the common heritage of
humanity. Preservation and promotion of tolerance, pluralism and
respect for diversity can produce more inclusive societies;
7. We
declare that all human beings are born free, equal in dignity and rights
and have the potential to contribute constructively to the development
and well-being of their societies. Any doctrine of racial
superiority is scientifically false, morally condemnable, socially
unjust and dangerous, and must be rejected along with theories which
attempt to determine the existence of separate human races;
8. We
recognize that religion, spirituality and belief play a central role in
the lives of millions of women and men, and in the way they live and
treat other persons. Religion,
spirituality and belief may and can contribute to the promotion of
the inherent dignity and worth of the human person and to the
eradication of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance;
9. We
note with concern that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance may be aggravated by, inter alia, inequitable
distribution of wealth, marginalization and social exclusion;
10. We
reaffirm that everyone is entitled to a social and international order
in which all human rights can be fully realized for all, without any
discrimination;
11. We
note that the process of globalization constitutes a powerful and
dynamic force which should be harnessed for the benefit, development and
prosperity of all countries, without exclusion. We recognize that
developing countries face special difficulties in responding to this
central challenge. While globalization offers great opportunities,
at present its benefits are very unevenly shared, while its costs are
unevenly distributed. We thus express our determination to prevent
and mitigate the negative effects of globalization. These effects
could aggravate, inter alia, poverty, underdevelopment,
marginalization, social exclusion, cultural homogenization and economic
disparities which may occur along racial lines, within and between
States, and have an adverse impact. We further express our
determination to maximize the benefits of globalization through, inter alia,
the strengthening and enhancement of international cooperation to
increase equality of opportunities for trade, economic growth and
sustainable development, global communications through the use of new
technologies and increased intercultural exchange through the
preservation and promotion of cultural diversity, which can contribute
to the eradication of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance. Only through broad and sustained efforts to
create a shared future based upon our common humanity, and all its
diversity, can globalization be made fully inclusive and equitable;
12. We
recognize that interregional and intraregional migration has increased
as a result of globalization, in particular from the South to the
North, and stress that policies towards migration should not be based
on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance;
|
