UN Secretary-General Mr Kofi Annan and French President Mr Jacques Chirac called on world leaders today to bridge differences so as to ensure the success of the first-ever world anti-racism conference.
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Mr Kofi Annan
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Mr Annan urged that everything possible be done to ensure that the gathering, to be held in Durban in South Africa from August 31st to September 7th, become "synonymous with a vision of progress for all humankind."
"Our main business is to redirect public policy, and leave a lasting imprint on the workings of governments. They are the main violators of human rights and bear the main responsibility for promoting and protecting them," he told the UN Human Rights Commission.
One of the main stumbling blocks in the way of drawing up a definitive programme for the UN-sponsored World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance has been the issue of compensation for slavery victims.
Several African countries have backed the idea that former colonial powers should pay compensation for their past exploitation of the slave trade but western countries, led by France and the United States, have objected.
At a preparatory meeting in Dakar in January, several African ministers and human rights activists pressed for the issue of reparations to be addressed at the Durban conference.
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Mr Jacques Chirac
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But Mr Annan, Mr Chirac as well as German, British and US officials emphasised here that the issue was far too divisive and complex to be addressed in Durban, urging instead that the focus be placed on the future.
"We need a document that inspires all people, not just governments to do their part," said Mr Annan.
Mr Chirac said it was important to throw light on what had happened in history, but added "we also have responsibility for the present and future".
AFP