DECLARATION
Having met in Durban, South Africa, from 31 August
to 8 September 2001,
Expressing deep appreciation to the Government of
South Africa for hosting this World Conference,
Drawing inspiration from the heroic struggle of the
people of South Africa against the institutionalized system of
apartheid, as well as for equality and justice under democracy, development, the rule of law and respect for human rights,
recalling in this context the important contribution to that
struggle of the international community and, in particular,
the pivotal role of the people and Governments of Africa, and
noting the important role that different actors of civil society, including non-governmental organizations, played in that
struggle and in ongoing efforts to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance,
Recalling that the Vienna Declaration and Programme
of Action, adopted by the World Conference on Human
Rights in June 1993, calls for the speedy and comprehensive
elimination of all forms of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance,
Recalling Commission on Human Rights resolution
1997/74 of 18 April 1997, General Assembly resolution 52/111 of 12 December 1997 and subsequent resolutions of those bodies concerning the convening of the World
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