NCJ Number
198769
Journal
International Review of Penal Law Volume: 73 Issue: 1 Dated: 2002 Pages: 301-317
Date Published
2002
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the proceedings of the World Conference against Racism (WCAR).
Abstract
The WCAR was held from August 30 to September 8, 2000, in Durban, South Africa. About 170 states participated in the conference. The controversies of the conference seemed to be how to deal with the Middle East situation and the historical legacy of slavery, slave trade, and colonialism. One of the core issues was the lack of common problems and concern at the universal level. A problem in negotiations was the inability to expand the grounds of discrimination to cover and reflect contemporary forms of racial discrimination that often intersect with other grounds such as gender. The negotiations were dominated by the plight of the African continent and a list of victims was ultimately deemed necessary. A hierarchy listing of victims in the WPA started with Africans and people of African descent, indigenous people, migrants, refugees, and other victims. Recommended preventive measures for racism included legislative, judicial, regulatory, and administrative measures. States were urged to design and implement policies and programs to prevent, detect, and ensure accountability for misconduct by police officers and other law enforcement personnel motivated by racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, and to prosecute perpetrators of such misconduct. The issue of racial profiling was also addressed. Prosecution of perpetrators of racist acts is considered crucial in order to ensure long term prevention. States were urged to establish and reinforce independent specialized national institutions and mediation; establish regular monitoring of acts of racism in the public and private sector; develop a national action plan; and promote respect and understanding between individuals. States were urged to ensure legal assistance and protection to victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance; and ensure that all persons have access to effective and adequate remedies. Despite the differences and concerns of the respective regions and groups, the documents adopted in Durban contain the tools that could be effective in the combat against racism. 26 footnotes