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WORLD CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM/BURMA

There are several meetings in the process leading up to the World
Conference Against Racism that may be of interest to Burma groups.
These include:

The Asia-Pacific Regional PrepCom in Tehran, 28-30 August (there is a 
possibility
that this might be put back to October. I'll announce any news on this). 
Written statements
should be sent as soon as possible.

The Expert Seminar for Asia, in Bangkok, 5-7 September 2000, on the theme of
"Migrant Workers and Trafficking of Persons, with Particular Reference to 
Women and Children".

The Regional NGO Meeting for Asia, possibly in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

2nd PrepCom, Geneva, May 2001

NGO Forum -- alongside the Conference in South Africa -- dates have not yet 
been confirmed
-- the Forum is likely to be 29 August -2 September (i.e., starting before 
and overlapping in
part with the government meeting).

Ways of participating in these meetings would be by attending, and/or 
sending in papers
(1500 words).

to

Laurie S. Wiseberg
NGO Liaison for the WCAR
Room 4-025 Palais Wilson
Tel. (41-22) 917-9393
Fax. (41-22) 917-9050
lwiseberg.hchr@xxxxxxx

Information on the Bangkok seminar, from Gloria Nwabuoga
gnwabuogu.hchr@xxxxxxx

There is some money for NGO participation. Contact Laurie for details.


NB for the the Conference: Racial discrimination as defined in Article 1 
(1) of the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial 
Discrimination is: "any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference 
based on race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin which has the 
purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or 
exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms; in 
the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life".

Thus some ethnic groups might like to talk/write about language or 
education policies, others
about religious discrimination, in addition to more general forms of 
institutional and other
discrimination.

Themes of the Provisional Agenda:

The first PrepCom adopted the following 5 broad themes for the Conference. 
Note that the word "compensatory" in theme 4 is in square brackets because 
there was no general agreement for including this term..

(1) Sources, causes, forms and contemporary manifestations of racism, 
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;

(2) Victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related 
intolerance;

(3) Measures of prevention, education and protection aimed at the 
eradication of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related 
intolerance, at the national, regional and international levels;

(4) Provision of effective remedies, recourse, redress, [compensatory] and 
other measures at the national, regional and international levels;

(5) Strategies to achieve full and effective equality, including 
international cooperation and enhancement of the United Nations and other 
international mechanisms in combatting racism, racial discrimination, 
xenbophobia and related intolerance, and follow-up.


More guidelines and documents can be found in documents on the Conference 
website:

http://www.unhchr.ch/html/racism/index.htm

and from this Briefing Note:

_Briefing Note on World Conference Against Racism,
Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance

Including summary of important decisions
of First PrepCom, 1-5 May 2000

May 23, 2000

I.  Dates:
         <       Dates for the World Conference have been confirmed as 31 
August to
                     7 September 2001.
         <       Dates for the NGO Forum have not yet been confirmed -- the 
Forum is likely to be 29 August -2 September (i.e., starting before and 
overlapping in part with the government meeting).

II. Venue:      The venue will be South Africa but it is not yet decided 
whether this will be Johannesburg, Mid-Rand, or Durban.  There is, however, 
a commitment on the part of the South African government to ensure that the 
Government Conference and the NGO Forum are in close proximity.
III. Chair and Bureau of the Preparatory Committee:

                 The First PrepCom elected Ambassador (Mme) Absa Claude 
Diallo as its Chairperson. Ambassador Diallo chaired the sessional working 
group of the 55th Session of the Commission on Human Rights (1999) on the 
preparation of the World Conference.

                 Other members of the Bureau are the following: Tunisia, 
Islamic Republic of Iran, Malaysia, FYR of Macedonia, Georgia, Brazil, 
Mexico (Rapporteur), France, USA and South Africa as ex-officio.
IV.  Rules of Procedure:
The Rules of Procedures adopted at the First PrepCom include the following 
important decisions vis-a-vis NGOs.
         <       Re structure: It was agreed that the Conference will 
establish one Main Committee and one Drafting Committee, which may set up 
subcommittees or working groups.

         <       NGO Participation: NGOs will be permitted to participate 
in the work of both of these Committees (and any subcommittees or working 
groups they establish) on questions within the scope of their 
activities.  This means that NGOs will be able to make oral statements as 
well as to submit written statements to the Conference. (Note: If written 
statements of NGOs are to be circulated for the Second PrepCom, they must 
be submitted 10 weeks prior to the meeting. It helps if the statements are 
submitted electronically, and especially if text can be provided in 
English, French and Spanish. Length is restricted to 1,500 words, except 
that NGOs which have "general" consultative status may submitted up to 
2,000 words.)

V. Accreditation of NGOs:

1.  NGOs which have Consultative Status with ECOSOC may participate in the 
World Conference and its Preparatory processes. As well, representatives of 
Indigenous Peoples or Indigenous Organizations which have been accredited 
to participate in the Working Group of the Commission on Human Rights on 
the draft declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples, under ECOSOC 
Resolution 1995/32, may participate in  the World Conference.

2.  NGOs which do not have Consultative Status can be accredited to the 
World Conference under Resolution 1996/31, modified by the First PrepCom as 
follows:
         (a)     An NGO applies to the Conference Secretariat with required 
documentation (see information note for NGOs not having Consultative 
Status, on the website of the OHCHR and/or questionnaire on the web).
         (b)     This documentation is reviewed by the Secretariat to 
ensure that it is complete and that the NGO meets the criteria for 
accreditation.
         (c)     When 10 applications have been received, the Secretariat 
sends a note verbale to all governments with a list of the NGOs applying 
and its recommendation. Governments have 14 days to raise any concerns they 
have.
         (d)     Where no concerns have been raised, the Secretariat will 
forward the name of the applying NGOs to the Bureau of the PrepCom for 
accreditation.
         (e)     If concerns are raised about an NGO, the Secretariat will 
inform the NGO about the government's comments and give the NGO the 
opportunity to reply. It will then forward the government's concerns, the 
NGOs comments and its own recommendation to the Bureau for action. The 
Bureau, in consultation with the regions, will decide whether or not to 
accredit the NGO.
         (f)     If the Bureau decides not to accredit, the matter will go 
to the Second PrepCom (in May 2000) for final decision.

3.   Additionally, representative of indigenous nations or organizations 
may apply for accreditation under ECOSOC Resolution 1995/32, in which case 
the decison is taken by ECOSOC's Committee on NGOs, not the Bureau of the 
PrepCom.

4.  NGOs which are accredited to participate in a regional PrepCom will 
automatically be accredited to participate in the World Conference. 
However, at this time, it is not completely clear how accreditation will 
occur at the regional level.
VI. Slogan:

         The First PrepCom adopted the following World Conference Slogan:
                 "United to combat racism: Equality, Justice, Dignity"

Themes of the Provisional Agenda:
The first PrepCom adopted the following 5 broad themes for the Conference. 
Note that the word "compensatory" in theme 4 is in square brackets because 
there was no general agreement for including this term..

(1) Sources, causes, forms and contemporary manifestations of racism, 
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;

(2) Victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related 
intolerance;

(3) Measures of prevention, education and protection aimed at the 
eradication of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related 
intolerance, at the national, regional and international levels;

(4) Provision of effective remedies, recourse, redress, [compensatory] and 
other measures at the national, regional and international levels;

(5) Strategies to achieve full and effective equality, including 
international cooperation and enhancement of the United Nations and other 
international mechanisms in combatting racism, racial discrimination, 
xenbophobia and related intolerance, and follow-up.
VII.  Inter-Sessional Working Group:
Aware of the difficulties linked to the drafting of the substantive items 
of the Provisional Agenda, the PrepCom decided to request the General 
Assembly to approve the establishment of an inter-sessional open-ended 
working group to meet for five days in January 2001 and to extend the 
duration of the second PrepCom to two weeks (instead of one) at the end of 
May 2001.
VIII:  Regional PrepComs:
         <       For Europe - in Strasbourg organized by the Council of 
Europe,
                     11-13 October, 2000
         <       For Africa - in Dakar, Senegal,  20-25 November 2000
         <       For Asia - in Teheran, Iran, 28-30 August
         <       For the Americas - where the meeting will be is still 
unclear as, during the First Prep Com, Brazil, which was supposed to host 
the meeting, announced that it would not do so.
IX.  Regional Expert Meetings:

         The following expert meetings are being organized by the 
Secretariat.
         <       For Eastern Europe, in Warsaw, 5-7 July 2000, on the theme 
"Protection of Minorities and Other Vulnerable Groups and Strengthening 
Human Rights Capacity at the National Level,"
         <       For Asia, in Bangkok, 5-7 September 2000, on the theme of 
"Migrant Workers and Trafficking of Persons, with Particular Reference to 
Women and Children"
         <       For Africa, in Addis Ababa, on the theme "Preventing 
Ethnic and Racial Conflict", 27-29 September, 2000
         <       For Latin America, in Santiago, 25-27 October 2000, on the 
theme "Economic, Social and Legal Measures to Combat Racial Discrimination, 
with Particular Reference to Vulnerable Groups"

X.  Regional NGO Meetings:
In addition, the Secretariat is planning four regional NGO meetings 
intended to feed into the NGO Forum. While the dates and venues have not 
yet been confirmed, we are planning the following:
         <       For Africa, a meeting in southern Africa
         <       For Asia, a meeting possibly in Colombo, Sri Lanka
         <       For Latin America, a meeting in Quito, Ecuador
         <       For Eastern and Central Europe, still to be determined.
XI.  NGO Coordination - WCR
During the First PrepCom, NGO representativess who participated established 
an "NGO Coordination - WCR" with the following components:

(a) NGO Planning Committee - This was a body which was open to any NGO that 
wanted to participate. It would communicate essentially by e-mail.

(b) An NGO Coordination Committee comprised of the following:
         <       12 for Africa
         <       12 for Asia/Pacific and Middle East
         <       12 for America
         <         7 for Europe
         <         7 for international NGOs
         Total                   50
         Plus Ex-Officio
         <       3, South Africa
         <       2 from Senegal
         <       2, Iran
         <       2, France
         <       2, Americas

         (c) Facilitating Team of 12 members, to undertake specific tasks:
                 2 each for Africa, Asia/Pacific, Americas, Europe, 
indigenous peoples
                 1 each for international NGOs, youth, Dalits
         Contact person: Deborah Robinson
                                 drdrobinson@xxxxxxxxxxx
                                 Tel. (1-202) 723-5622

         (d) An NGO secretariat will be established in South Africa. 
(Please note that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has 
an office in Pretoria.

XII.  Websites
Website of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for general information 
on the WCR:  http://www.unhchr.ch. Click on World Conference Against Racism 
at the top of the Home Page.
         NGO Website for the World Conference: http://www.hri.ca/racism
         (with links to many other sites dealing with racism)

XIII:  Guide to Participating in World Conference

         The International Human Rights Law Group has produced an excellent 
Guide to Participating in the UN World Conference Against Racism, which is 
available in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French, in hard copy and on 
the web. It will be updated periodically throughout the preparatory 
process. For copies, contact Alison N. Stewart, Special Projects 
Coordinator,  IHRLG, 1200 18th St., N.W., Suite 602, Washington, DC 20009, 
USA. Tel. (1-202) 822-4600; Fax. (1-202) 
822-4606.  Email:HumanRights@xxxxxxxxxxxxx  Website: http://www.hrlawgroup.org
                                         g

For further information, contact:

Ms. Sandra Aragon-Parriaux
OHCHR
Palais des Nations
Room PW-RS181
1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland
Tel. (41-22) 917-9129
Fax. (41-22) 917-9050
saragon.hchr@xxxxxxx

or

Laurie S. Wiseberg
NGO Liaison for the WCAR
Room 4-025 Palais Wilson
Tel. (41-22) 917-9393
Fax. (41-22) 917-9050
lwiseberg.hchr@xxxxxxx

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<html>
WORLD CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM/BURMA<br>
<br>
There are several meetings in the process leading up to the World<br>
Conference Against Racism that may be of interest to Burma groups.<br>
These include:<br>
<br>
The Asia-Pacific Regional PrepCom in Tehran, 28-30 August (there is a
possibility<br>
that this might be put back to October. I'll announce any news on this).
Written statements<br>
should be sent as soon as possible.<br>
<br>
The Expert Seminar for Asia, in Bangkok, 5-7 September 2000, on the theme
of <br>
?Migrant Workers and Trafficking of Persons, with Particular Reference to
Women and Children?.<br>
<br>
The Regional NGO Meeting for Asia, possibly in Colombo, Sri Lanka.<br>
<br>
2nd PrepCom, Geneva, May 2001<br>
<br>
NGO Forum -- alongside the Conference in South Africa -- dates have not
yet been confirmed<br>
-- the Forum is likely to be 29 August -2 September (i.e., starting
before and overlapping in <br>
part with the government meeting).<br>
<br>
Ways of participating in these meetings would be by attending, and/or
sending in papers<br>
(1500 words).<br>
<br>
to<br>
<br>
Laurie S. Wiseberg<br>
NGO Liaison for the WCAR<br>
Room 4-025 Palais Wilson<br>
Tel. (41-22) 917-9393<br>
Fax. (41-22) 917-9050<br>
lwiseberg.hchr@xxxxxxx&nbsp; <br>
<br>
Information on the Bangkok seminar, from Gloria Nwabuoga <br>
gnwabuogu.hchr@xxxxxxx<br>
<br>
There is some money for NGO participation. Contact Laurie for
details.<br>
<br>
<br>
NB for the the Conference: Racial discrimination as defined in Article 1
(1) of the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination is: &quot;any distinction, exclusion, restriction or
preference based on race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin
which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the
recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights
and fundamental freedoms; in the political, economic, social, cultural or
any other field of public life&quot;. <br>
<br>
Thus some ethnic groups might like to talk/write about language or
education policies, others<br>
about religious discrimination, in addition to more general forms of
institutional and other<br>
discrimination. <br>
<br>
Themes of the Provisional Agenda:<br>
<br>
The first PrepCom adopted the following 5 broad themes for the
Conference. Note that the word ?compensatory? in theme 4 is in square
brackets because there was no general agreement for including this
term..<br>
<br>
(1) Sources, causes, forms and contemporary manifestations of racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;<br>
<br>
(2) Victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance;<br>
<br>
(3) Measures of prevention, education and protection aimed at the
eradication of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance, at the national, regional and international levels;<br>
<br>
(4) Provision of effective remedies, recourse, redress, [compensatory]
and other measures at the national, regional and international
levels;<br>
<br>
(5) Strategies to achieve full and effective equality, including
international cooperation and enhancement of the United Nations and other
international mechanisms in combatting racism, racial discrimination,
xenbophobia and related intolerance, and follow-up.<br>
<br>
<br>
More guidelines and documents can be found in documents on the Conference
website:<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.unhchr.ch/html/racism/index.htm"; eudora="autourl">http://www.unhchr.ch/html/racism/index.</a><a href="http://www.unhchr.ch/html/racism/index.htm"; eudora="autourl">htm<br>
<br>
</a>and from this Briefing Note:<br>
<br>
<div align="center">
_<b>Briefing Note on World Conference Against Racism,<br>
Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance<br>
<br>
Including summary of important decisions<br>
of First PrepCom, 1-5 May 2000<br>
<br>
</b>May 23, 2000<br>
<br>
</div>
<b>I.&nbsp; Dates:</b> 
<dl>
<dl>
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>Dates
for the World Conference have been confirmed as 31 August to 
</dl>
</dl><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
7 September 2001. 
<dl>
<dl>
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>Dates
for the NGO Forum have not yet been confirmed -- the Forum is likely to
be 29 August -2 September (i.e., starting before and overlapping in part
with the government meeting).<br>
<br>
<b>
<dd>II. Venue:</b><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>The
venue will be South Africa but it is not yet decided whether this will be
Johannesburg, Mid-Rand, or Durban.&nbsp; There is, however, a commitment
on the part of the South African government to ensure that the Government
Conference and the NGO Forum are in close proximity.
</dl>
</dl><b>III. Chair and Bureau of the Preparatory Committee:<br>
</b><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>
<dl>
<dl>
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>The
First PrepCom elected Ambassador (Mme) Absa Claude Diallo as its
Chairperson. Ambassador Diallo chaired the sessional working group of the
55<sup>th</sup> Session of the Commission on Human Rights (1999) on the
preparation of the World Conference.<br>
<br>

<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>Other
members of the Bureau are the following: Tunisia, Islamic Republic of
Iran, Malaysia, FYR of Macedonia, Georgia, Brazil, Mexico (Rapporteur),
France, USA and South Africa as ex-officio.
</dl>
</dl><b>IV.&nbsp; Rules of Procedure:</b>
<dl>
<dd>The Rules of Procedures adopted at the First PrepCom include the
following important decisions vis-a-vis NGOs. 
<dl>
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>Re
structure: It was agreed that the Conference will establish one Main
Committee and one Drafting Committee, which may set up subcommittees or
working groups. 
</dl>
</dl><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>
<dl>
<dl>
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>NGO
Participation: NGOs will be permitted to participate in the work of both
of these Committees (and any subcommittees or working groups they
establish) on questions within the scope of their activities.&nbsp; This
means that NGOs will be able to make oral statements as well as to submit
written statements to the Conference. (Note: If written statements of
NGOs are to be circulated for the Second PrepCom, they must be submitted
10 weeks prior to the meeting. It helps if the statements are submitted
electronically, and especially if text can be provided in English, French
and Spanish. Length is restricted to 1,500 words, except that NGOs which
have ?general? consultative status may submitted up to 2,000 words.) 
</dl>
</dl><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>
<dl>
<dl>
<dl>
<dl>
<dl><b>
<dd>V. Accreditation of
NGOs:</b><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><br>
<br>

</dl>
</dl>
</dl>
</dl>
<dd>1.&nbsp; NGOs which have Consultative Status with ECOSOC may
participate in the World Conference and its Preparatory processes. As
well, representatives of Indigenous Peoples or Indigenous Organizations
which have been accredited to participate in the Working Group of the
Commission on Human Rights on the draft declaration on the rights of
indigenous peoples, under ECOSOC Resolution 1995/32, may participate
in&nbsp; the World Conference. <br>
<br>

<dd>2.&nbsp; NGOs which do not have Consultative Status can be accredited
to the World Conference under Resolution 1996/31, modified by the First
PrepCom as follows: 
<dl>
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>(a)
<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>An NGO applies to the Conference
Secretariat with required documentation (see information note for NGOs
not having Consultative Status, on the website of the OHCHR and/or
questionnaire on the web). 
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>(b)<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>This
documentation is reviewed by the Secretariat to ensure that it is
complete and that the NGO meets the criteria for accreditation. 
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>(c)<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>When
10 applications have been received, the Secretariat sends a note verbale
to all governments with a list of the NGOs applying and its
recommendation. Governments have 14 days to raise any concerns they have. 
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>(d)<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>Where
no concerns have been raised, the Secretariat will forward the name of
the applying NGOs to the Bureau of the PrepCom for accreditation. 
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>(e)
<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>If concerns are raised about an
NGO, the Secretariat will inform the NGO about the government?s comments
and give the NGO the opportunity to reply. It will then forward the
government?s concerns, the NGOs comments and its own recommendation to
the Bureau for action. The Bureau, in consultation with the regions, will
decide whether or not to accredit the NGO. 
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>(f)<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>If
the Bureau decides not to accredit, the matter will go to the Second
PrepCom (in May 2000) for final decision. <br>
<br>

</dl>
<dd>3.&nbsp;&nbsp; Additionally, representative of indigenous nations or
organizations may apply for accreditation under ECOSOC Resolution
1995/32, in which case the decison is taken by ECOSOC?s Committee on
NGOs, not the Bureau of the PrepCom.<br>
<br>

<dd>4.&nbsp; NGOs which are accredited to participate in a regional
PrepCom will automatically be accredited to participate in the World
Conference. However, at this time, it is not completely clear how
accreditation will occur at the regional level. 
</dl><b>VI. Slogan:<br>
<br>
</b><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>The
First PrepCom adopted the following World Conference Slogan:<br>
<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>?United
to combat racism: Equality, Justice, Dignity?<br>
<br>
Themes of the Provisional Agenda:
<dl>
<dd>The first PrepCom adopted the following 5 broad themes for the
Conference. Note that the word ?compensatory? in theme 4 is in square
brackets because there was no general agreement for including this
term..<br>
<br>

<dd>(1) Sources, causes, forms and contemporary manifestations of racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;<br>
<br>

<dd>(2) Victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance;<br>
<br>

<dd>(3) Measures of prevention, education and protection aimed at the
eradication of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance, at the national, regional and international levels;<br>
<br>

<dd>(4) Provision of effective remedies, recourse, redress,
[compensatory] and other measures at the national, regional and
international levels;<br>
<br>

<dd>(5) Strategies to achieve full and effective equality, including
international cooperation and enhancement of the United Nations and other
international mechanisms in combatting racism, racial discrimination,
xenbophobia and related intolerance, and follow-up.
</dl><b>VII.&nbsp; Inter-Sessional Working Group:</b>
<dl>
<dd>Aware of the difficulties linked to the drafting of the substantive
items of the Provisional Agenda, the PrepCom decided to request the
General Assembly to approve the establishment of an inter-sessional
open-ended working group to meet for five days in January 2001 and to
extend the duration of the second PrepCom to two weeks (instead of one)
at the end of May 2001.
</dl><b>VIII:&nbsp; Regional PrepComs:</b>
<dl>
<dl>
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>For
Europe - in Strasbourg organized by the Council of Europe, 
</dl>
</dl><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
11-13 October, 2000 
<dl>
<dl>
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>For
Africa - in Dakar, Senegal,&nbsp; 20-25 November 2000 
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>For
Asia - in Teheran, Iran, 28-30 August 
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>For
the Americas - where the meeting will be is still unclear as, during the
First Prep Com, Brazil, which was supposed to host the meeting, announced
that it would not do so.
</dl>
</dl><b>IX.&nbsp; Regional Expert Meetings:<br>
<br>
</b><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>The
following expert meetings are being organized by the Secretariat. 
<dl>
<dl>
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>For
Eastern Europe, in Warsaw, 5-7 July 2000, on the theme ?Protection of
Minorities and Other Vulnerable Groups and Strengthening Human Rights
Capacity at the National Level,? 
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>For
Asia, in Bangkok, 5-7 September 2000, on the theme of ?Migrant Workers
and Trafficking of Persons, with Particular Reference to Women and
Children? 
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>For
Africa, in Addis Ababa, on the theme ?Preventing Ethnic and Racial
Conflict?, 27-29 September, 2000 
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>For
Latin America, in Santiago, 25-27 October 2000, on the theme ?Economic,
Social and Legal Measures to Combat Racial Discrimination, with
Particular Reference to Vulnerable Groups? 
</dl>
</dl><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><br>
<b>X.&nbsp; Regional NGO Meetings:</b>
<dl>
<dd>In addition, the Secretariat is planning four regional NGO meetings
intended to feed into the NGO Forum. While the dates and venues have not
yet been confirmed, we are planning the following: 
<dl>
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>For
Africa, a meeting in southern Africa 
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>For
Asia, a meeting possibly in Colombo, Sri Lanka 
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>For
Latin America, a meeting in Quito, Ecuador 
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>For
Eastern and Central Europe, still to be determined.
</dl>
</dl><b>XI.&nbsp; NGO Coordination - WCR</b>
<dl>
<dd>During the First PrepCom, NGO representativess who participated
established an ?NGO Coordination - WCR? with the following
components:<br>
<br>

<dd>(a) NGO Planning Committee - This was a body which was open to any
NGO that wanted to participate. It would communicate essentially by
e-mail.<br>
<br>

<dd>(b) An NGO Coordination Committee comprised of the following: 
<dl>
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>12
for Africa 
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>12
for Asia/Pacific and Middle East 
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>12
for America 
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&nbsp;
7 for Europe 
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&nbsp;
7 for international NGOs 
<dl>
<dl>
<dl>
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>Total<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>50 
</dl>
</dl>
</dl>
</dl>
</dl><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>Plus
Ex-Officio 
<dl>
<dl>
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>3,
South Africa 
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>2
from Senegal 
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>2,
Iran 
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>2,
France 
<dd><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>&lt;<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>2,
Americas 
</dl>
</dl><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><br>
<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>(c)
Facilitating Team of 12 members, to undertake specific tasks:<br>
<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>2
each for Africa, Asia/Pacific, Americas, Europe, indigenous peoples<br>
<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>1
each for international NGOs, youth, Dalits<br>
<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>Contact
person: Deborah Robinson<br>
<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>drdrobinson@xxxxxxxxxxx<br>
<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>Tel.
(1-202) 723-5622<br>
<br>
<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>(d) An NGO
secretariat will be established in South Africa. (Please note that the
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has an office in
Pretoria.<br>
<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><br>
<b>XII.&nbsp; Websites</b>
<dl>
<dd>Website of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for general
information on the WCR:&nbsp;
<a href="http://www.unhchr.ch/"; eudora="autourl">http://www.unhchr.ch</a>.
Click on World Conference Against Racism at the top of the Home Page.
</dl><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>NGO
Website for the World Conference:
<a href="http://www.hri.ca/racism"; eudora="autourl">http://www.hri.ca/racism</a><br>
<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>(with
links to many other sites dealing with racism)<br>
<br>
<b>XIII:&nbsp; Guide to Participating in World Conference<br>
<br>
</b><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>The
International Human Rights Law Group has produced an excellent Guide to
Participating in the UN World Conference Against Racism, which is
available in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French, in hard copy and on
the web. It will be updated periodically throughout the preparatory
process. For copies, contact Alison N. Stewart, Special Projects
Coordinator,&nbsp; IHRLG, 1200 18<sup>th</sup> St., N.W., Suite 602,
Washington, DC 20009, USA. Tel. (1-202) 822-4600; Fax. (1-202)
822-4606.&nbsp; Email:HumanRights@xxxxxxxxxxxxx&nbsp; Website:
<a href="http://www.hrlawgroup.org/"; eudora="autourl">http://www.hrlawgroup.org</a><br>
<x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab><x-tab>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</x-tab>g<br>
<br>
For further information, contact:<br>
<br>
Ms. Sandra Aragon-Parriaux<br>
OHCHR<br>
Palais des Nations<br>
Room PW-RS181<br>
1211 Geneva 10<br>
Switzerland<br>
Tel. (41-22) 917-9129<br>
Fax. (41-22) 917-9050<br>
saragon.hchr@xxxxxxx<br>
<br>
or<br>
<br>
Laurie S. Wiseberg<br>
NGO Liaison for the WCAR<br>
Room 4-025 Palais Wilson<br>
Tel. (41-22) 917-9393<br>
Fax. (41-22) 917-9050<br>
lwiseberg.hchr@xxxxxxx&nbsp; <br>
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