Geneva, August 28, 2007 — At yesterday’s opening of the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference, the follow-up to the 2001 World Conference Against Racism, Ambassador Doru Romulus Costea, President of the Human Rights Council, opened the meeting and called on Egypt to nominate the Chair.
Egypt on behalf of the African Group nominated Libyan ambassador Najat al-Hajjaji to be the Chair. She had an illustrious diplomatic career, he said. She is a former chair of the 59th Commission on Human Rights and held a post at the Durban conference in 2001. She led her country for over a decade on human rights issues and boasts many honors and awards in human rights. She has human rights expertise and is well positioned to steer the conference toward success. Sri Lanka seconded the proposal. Brazil also supported Libya’s nomination.
The President of the Human Rights Council declared ambassador al-Hajjaji elected by acclamation.
Chairperson al-Hajjaji (of Libya): Thank you for the confidence you placed in me to chair this preparatory committee, whose work will lead to convening of Durban review conference in 2009 which we all look forward to. The work ahead of us is enormous. In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate, your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I would like at the outset to extend profound thanks to all member states of the UN for the confidence you placed in my country, and in my humble person to chair this prep com for review of Durban. In particular, my thanks to African states that have always supported my country in all regional and international fora. And my appreciation to the Organization for the Islamic Conference for their continued support.
Six years have elapsed since the international community adopted the Durban program of action and declaration. Soon after, the events of Sept. 11, 2001 erupted. And one of the most important consequences was an increase in racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance.
The war against what is called “terrorism” started. Some states put aside human rights for the war against terrorism. Some have exploited it in order to persecute its opponents and critics and to take revenge. Many laws were adopted of a restrictive nature. Persecution of migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, those of particular ethnic groups. All under the pretext of the “war on terror.” Anti-Semitism rose, covering Arabs and others. Violent movements rose, targeting Muslim, Christians and Jews, in addition to [others]. Internet full of pages instigating violence on basis of racial hatred. Even sports arenas have witnessed racist acts. Depth of racial discrimination increased as we saw intolerance. Ridiculing religious symbols, leading to violence. Streets cemeteries and holy places have become scene for racist violence. All that I have indicated does not obviate fact that a number of countries have made progress on national level on racism. World summit against racism was adopted. A number of other countries have set up national plans.
Within this context it is necessary for us to voice our great appreciation to all efforts since Durban. Pay thanks to intergovernmental group on effective implementation of Durban action, the panel of eminent persons responsible for implementation of Durban, the Special Rapporteur on racism, all special mechanisms of the Human Rights Council, all who address this issue.
We are proud of achievements in Durban 2001. Among these, we have been able to diagnose face of racism today. To agree to practical steps. We’re also proud that through totality of Durban process that we managed this unprecedented mobilization of grassroots organizations and to let victims of racism speak loud; for those who have been excluded and ostracized to break bonds of silence; about their suffering.
Pay tribute to all member states for determination to hold this conference. Firm will to strengthen Durban objectives. We’ll be able to study how countries have implemented their goals. I appeal to all member states and organizations to contribute to voluntary fund for preparatory process of review process.
Extend my congratulations to members of the bureau whose names will be announced. Congratulate them. Thanks and appreciation for all their efforts. The bureau has held 19 meetings over last 2 months in which all elements were discussed in exhaustive detail. Despite diversity amongst bureau members, all of them have made every effort to overcome obstacles to make sure everyone would work in spirit of harmony and consensus, and all have won admiration of all. I hope this spirit will prevail, respectful dialogue. I hope we can take all decisions with consensus.
I conclude by quoting from statement by former High Commissioner Mary Robinson: “Durban must be a beginning and not an end…” I thank you all.
I now propose that these members be elected to bureau and to function as vice chairs: Armenia, Estonia, Russia and Croatia, for Eastern European group; Greece, Turkey, Norway, and Belgium from the Western group; Cameroon, Senegal and South Africa from the African group; Iran, India, Pakistan and Indonesia from Asia; and Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Cuba from Latin America. There being no objection, the members are elected and will serve as vice-chairs for prep com.
