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The countdown to the 3rd World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (WCAR) is gaining momentum. Although the conference, which will take place in South Africa from the 31st of August to September 2001 in Durban, is a United Nations initiative the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has a crucial role to play in the organisation of the conference, as well as participating in the conference itself.

Following is a list of the SAHRC's activities in the run-up to the world conference:

23 - 24/07/2001: 2-day conference on Migrants, Refugees, and xenophobia in Africa

Purpose: The aim of the conference is to discuss migration patterns in the African continent with a specific focus on the SADC region and to look at policy options to manage migration. It was felt that there is a lack of a co-ordinated policy in the region and as a result the SADC countries are over-utilising numerous resources in trying to manage migration. A co-ordinated policy would assist in this regard and help to curb xenophobia

25/07/2001: Chairperson of the Commission to deliver a paper on the definition of racism at a CSVR Public Seminar.

Purpose: The Chairperson of The south African human Rights Commission was invited by the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation to deliver a paper on "What is Racism?" at its Public Seminar

27 - 28/07/2001: SABC Editorial workshop on WCAR coverage

Purpose: The SAHRC Chairperson has been invited to the SABC's workshop on the coverage of the World Conference Against Racism.

31/07/2001: Consultative Conference on WCAR in Johannesburg, Sunnyside Park Hotel.

Purpose: The purpose of these consultative meetings is to brief key-decision makers and opinion-formers in government and civil society about WCAR, the substantive issues to be addressed from a South African context, and among other things, to map out policy and action plan to combat racism beyond WCAR.

2/08/2001: Consultative Conference on WCAR in Cape Town
Purpose: Same as above

21-22/08/2001: 2-day Seminar on Freedom of Expression and Ethics in the Media.

Purpose: The SAHRC in collaboration with the South African National Editor's Forum and the South African Chapter on African Renaissance will hold a two-day seminar on freedom of expression and ethics in the media.

26/08/2001: Reception for national institutions for the protection and promotion of human rights (Johannesburg)

Purpose: The SAHRC will host a reception for national human rights institutions, Ombudspersons, and national institutions not accredited with the ICC in preparation for a 2day workshop in preparation for WCAR.

27-28/08/2001: National Institutions pre-conference strategic planning workshop (Johannesburg)

Purpose: This will be a planning workshop for national institutions in preparation for WCAR.

30/08/2001: Reception for the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights, her excellency, Mrs. Mary Robinson (Durban).

Purpose: National Institutions will welcome Mrs Robinson in Durban.

31/08-10/09: World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (WCAR)

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission, 27 July 2001