UN’s Abigail Noko calls Durban Declaration on racism a milestone

United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights, Abigail Noko, has described the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action as a significant milestone in the history of human rights. This statement was made in the backdrop of the International Relations and Cooperation Department marking the 25th anniversary of the declaration. The Durban World Conference, held in 2001, recognized the underlying causes of various forms of racism, including intersecting and aggravating forms.

Noko emphasized that the declaration, along with international human rights treaties, especially the International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of racial discrimination, provided a comprehensive roadmap to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance.

South Africa's Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, echoed Noko's sentiments, stating that the agenda remains vital for the nation. She highlighted that nation-building, fostering a sense of shared belonging, promoting diversity, and reaffirming the heritage and traditions of all people, including non-citizens, are central to South Africa's transformational agenda.

The country's Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Kubayi, attended a high-level commemorative dialogue to mark the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.