WCR/RCONF/TEHRAN/2001/L.1/Rev.1
21 February 2001

Original: ENGLISH

Asian Preparatory Meeting
for the World Conference against
Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia
and Related Intolerance
Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran

19-21 February 2001

We, the Representatives of the Governments of Asia participating in the Asian Preparatory Meeting for the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, convened in Tehran, from 19 to 21 February 2001,

Expressing our appreciation to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for hosting the Asian Preparatory Meeting for the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance,

Emphasizing the will and determination of all Governments of the region to combat racism, racial discriminations, xenophobia and related intolerance in all their forms and manifestations,

Reaffirming that the genuine acceptance of cultural diversity, as a permanent feature of our societies, is a cherished asset for the advancement and welfare of humanity at large,

Reiterating the need to intensify the struggle to eliminate all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance throughout the world, especially its most brutal forms,

Recognizing that, while the significance of national and regional particularities and various historical, social and cultural particularities must be borne in mind, it is the duty of States, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems to adopt appropriate strategies and policies in combating all acts of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance,

Taking note of the Conclusions and Recommendations made by the Asia-Pacific Seminar of Experts in Preparation for the World Conference against Racism: Migrants and Trafficking in Persons with Particular Reference to Women and Children, which was held in Bangkok, Thailand from 5 to 7 September 2000,

Taking note with interest of the Regional Meetings which were held in Strasbourg, Santiago and Dakar in preparation for the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance,

Recalling the UNGA resolution 52/111 as well as Commission on Human Rights Resolution 1997/74 which call inter alia for the convening of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance,

Recalling the outcome of the two World Conferences to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, held at Geneva in 1978 and 1983,

Noting with grave concern that, despite the efforts of the international community, the principal objectives of the Three Decades to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination have not been attained and that millions of human beings continue to the present day to be the victims of varied forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance,

Further recalling that the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights in June 1993 regards elimination of racism and racial discrimination, in particular resulting from doctrines of racial superiority or exclusivity or contemporary forms and manifestations of racism, as a primary objective for the international community,

Emphasizing that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance are against the dignity of mankind, and constitute a flagrant violation of human rights,

Stressing the importance of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and other relevant international conventions and declarations, which contribute to the fight against racism and racial discrimination,

Noting with concern the continued and violent occurrence of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and that theories of superiority of certain races and cultures over others, promoted and practiced during the colonial era, continue to be propounded in one form or another even today,

Bearing in mind that the adequate and clear resolution of the past problems caused by any kind of racially and ethnically discriminatory policies and practices could contribute to the prevention of the recurrence of such policies and practices and to the friendship and peaceful relations among peoples and nations,

Alarmed by the emergence of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, in its more subtle and contemporary forms and other ideologies and practices based on racial or ethnic discrimination or superiority,

Condemning any kind of discrimination, exclusion or preference on the ground of race, colour, descent, culture, language, or national or ethnic origin, which constitute an offence to humanity and an obstacle to friendly and peaceful relations among peoples and nations,

Reaffirming our commitment to combat contemporary manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance,

Recognizing that the historical, social and cultural contribution of all the people of Asia, which has all along been characterized by respect, tolerance and mutual understanding, has enriched the civilizational and cultural diversity of the world which is the common heritage of humanity,

Welcoming the decision of the UNGA to proclaim the year 2001 as the United Nations year of Dialogue among Civilizations, as well as the holding of the Asian Conference on Dialogue among Civilizations on 17 February 2001 in Tehran,

Welcoming the adoption by the UNGA by its resolution of 53/243, of the Declaration and Plan of Action on a Culture of Peace and its decision to proclaim the Decade for a Culture of Peace and non-violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010),

Emphasizing the importance of the equitable participation of all peoples and nations, without any discrimination, in their domestic as well as global decision-making,

Expressing concern at the forms of intolerance towards some of the Asian communities and minorities living in other continents,

Recognizing the need to protect and promote the rights of ethnic, racial, cultural, national and linguistic minorities as well as the need to counter social exclusion and marginalization of such minorities,

Reaffirming the right of all peoples to live in a society free of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance as well as the duty of Governments to take prompt, decisive and appropriate measures to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination,

Recalling the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (1960),

Reaffirming that settler colonization and foreign occupation constitute sources, causes and forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance,

Expressing concern that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance are among the root causes of many internal and international conflicts, including armed conflicts,

1. Reaffirm that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, and any doctrine of racial superiority is, therefore, scientifically false, morally condemnable, socially unjust and dangerous, and has no justification whatsoever;

2. Recognize that colonialism and slavery have been the prime sources and manifestation of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and stress the need for all States which were engaged in such practices to acknowledge the grave human suffering caused by colonialism and slavery and the heinous racist acts committed in the context of colonialism and slave trade;

3. Condemn all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance in the context of fulfillment of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights;

4. Further condemn past and current policies, practices, propaganda and organizations based on ideas or theories of racial and national superiority, hatred, discrimination and xenophobia, which are massive and flagrant violations of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, namely civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights and the right to development;

5. Strongly condemn the resurgence of fascism in all its forms and manifestations;

6. Condemn all acts and practices of social violence arising out of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance;

7. Reject the concept of regional fortresses, bolstered by political and economic accords amongst some developed countries, that generate a climate in which foreigners are racially discriminated against and are regarded as rivals or competitors and a threat to local prosperity, culture and identity;

8. Recognize the economic, social or cultural injustice emanating from racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance and call for full and continuous efforts to eradicate these evils;

9. Emphasizing that poverty and economic disparities amongst various parts of the world which owe their existence in part to colonial exploitation contribute significantly to the persistence of racist attitudes;

10. Recognize that although globalization, as an ongoing process, remains a powerful and dynamic force with the potential to assist in achieving the goal of development and prosperity of entire humankind, there is a need to manage it properly to guard against adverse trends, including growing economic disparity and cultural homogenization, which, by marginalizing certain countries and groups, could inter alia contribute to sustaining and strengthening of racist attitudes;

11. Recognize that inter-regional migration has increased as a result of globalization and stress that policies towards such migration from the South to the North should not be based on discrimination on grounds of race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin;

12. Resolve to extend our cooperation to maximize the benefits of globalization with a view to the realization of economic, social and cultural rights and the Right to Development as a major contributions to the combat against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;

13. Recognize also that equitable participation of all groups and countries in the formulation of a just, equitable, democratic and inclusive international order can contribute to a world free from racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;

14. Call for international efforts to promote an understanding between different civilizations and cultures so as to counter attempts of cultural and civilizational domination and imposition motivated by racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;

15. Reaffirm that dialogue among cultures and civilizations facilitates the promotion of a culture of tolerance and respect for diversity through cooperation and mutual enrichment in various fields of human endeavour;

16. Express our conviction that ideologies based on racial superiority contradict the letter and spirit of international Human Rights Instruments and endanger regional and international peace and security;

17. Emphasize that racist and exclusivist ideologies based on race, colour, descent, culture, language, national or ethnic origin are responsible for fomenting, promoting and spreading racial discrimination, xenophobia and stereotyping;

18. Express our conviction that political platforms and systems based on racism, xenophobia or doctrines of racial superiority and discrimination must be condemned as incompatible with democracy and transparent and accountable governance, and that racial discrimination condoned by governmental policies violates human rights and may endanger friendly relations among peoples, cooperation among nations, and international peace and security;

19. Recognize Jerusalem as a city of reverence and religious sanctity for three major religions of the world, and call for an international endeavor to bring foreign occupation, together with all its racial practices to an end mainly in holy shrines dear to the three religions;

20. Affirm that a foreign occupation founded on settlements, its laws based on racial discrimination with the aim of continuing domination on the occupied territory, as well as its practices which consist of reinforcing a total military blockade, isolating towns, cities and villages under occupation from each other, totally contradict the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. It constitutes a serious violation of international human rights and humanitarian law, a new kind of apartheid, a crime against humanity, a form of genocide and a serious threat to international peace and security;

21. Recall with deep regret the practices of racial discrimination against the Palestinians as well as other inhabitants of the Arab occupied territories which have an impact on all aspects of their daily existence that they prevent the enjoyment of fundamental rights and express our deep concern about this situation and call for the cessation of all the practices of racial discrimination to which the Palestinians and the other inhabitants of the Arab territories occupied by Israel are subjected;

22. Recognize the individuals, groups and nations affected by policies and practices, such as colonialism, slavery and ethnic cleansing, based on theories of racial or national superiority, hatred, and distinction as to race, colour, descent, culture, language, or national or ethnic origin, culture or language as victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;

23. Underscore the need to promote at the national level strategies,

programmes and policies, including affirmative action, for the full realization of the civil and political rights of victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, including through more effective access to the political, judicial and administrative institutions, as well as the need to promote access to justice free from racial discrimination of any kind;

24. Recognize that States shall, when the circumstances so warrant, take in the social, economic, cultural and other fields, special and concrete measures to ensure the adequate development and protection of certain racial groups or individuals belonging to them, for the purpose of guaranteeing them the full and equal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms. These measures shall in no case entail as a consequence the maintenance of unequal or separate rights for different racial groups after the objectives for which they were taken have been achieved;

25. Also underscore the need to promote at the national level strategies, policies and programs, including affirmative action, for the promotion and protection of the economic, social and cultural rights of all victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and for affording greater opportunities to such groups to share in the prosperity and wealth of the societies they live in, as well as for guaranteeing that the benefits of development, science and technology contribute effectively to the improvement of the quality of life of such victims;

26. Stress the importance of the promotion and protection of the human rights of ethnic, national, linguistic, racial and cultural minorities, indigenous people and migrants, including their rights to maintain their cultural identity and observe their values and traditions;

27. Welcome the creation of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues within the United Nations system, giving concrete expression to major objectives of the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People and the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action;

28. Condemn manifestations and acts of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance that may take place against migrants and stress the need for their fair, just and equitable treatmentto them in the society and at the place of work;

29. Reiterate the need for all States to fulfil without any racial discrimination, their obligations under the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic Relations and Consular Relations;

30. Recognize that while the formulation of immigration and citizenship laws is the prerogative of the States concerned, those laws that are motivated by racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance ought to be condemned and repealed;

31. Recognize that refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons are under certain circumstances vulnerable to manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance;

32. Reiterate that the international response and policy, including financial assistance, to address refugee situations in different part of the world, should not be guided by consideration of race, colour, descent, culture, language, or national or ethnic origin of refugees concerned, and in this context, urge the international community to extend assistance as requested by concerned States towards resolving the refugees' situation, especially in the developing countries, through economic and financial assistance aimed at, inter alia, removing the root causes of displacement of such people;

33. Express deep concern at the plight of Palestinian refugees and displaced persons who were forced to leave their homes because of war and racial policies of the occupying power and are prevented from returning to their homes and properties because of a racially based law of return and recognize the right of return of the Palestinian refugees as established by the General Assembly resolutions particularly the GA resolution No 194 of 11 December 1948 and call for return to their homeland in accordance to and in implementation of this right;

34. Re-emphasize the responsibility of the international community to provide international protection for the Palestinian people under occupation, against aggression, acts of racism, intimidation, and denial of fundamental human rights including the right to life, liberty and self-determination;

35. Recognize that special attention needs to be given to the elaboration of strategies, policies and programs for persons subject to multiple discrimination which combines racism and racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance with other forms of discrimination;

36. Recognize that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance manifest themselves in an aggravated and differentiated manner for women, causing their living standards to deteriorate, generating multiple forms of violence, and limiting or denying them the benefit and the exercise of their human rights and in this regard urge States to consider this phenomenon in the formulation of strategies and programmes against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;

37. Note with concern that instances of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance lead to trade in and/or sexual exploitation of women and girls;

38. Note with concern the large number of children, girls, and young people among the victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and stress the need to consider this factor in the design of strategies and programs for child welfare, as well as the importance of incorporating the principle of the best interests of the child in the formulation of strategies and programs against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;

39. Recognize that education is the key to the promotion of respect for the racial, ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversity of societies and for promotion and protection of democratic values which is essential to prevent the spread of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;

40. Reaffirm that education is one of the principal means of preventing and eradicating racism and racial discrimination and raising awareness of human rights particularly among children and young people, and in this context stress the need to amend suitably the textbooks that perpetuate racial stereotypes or encourage xenophobia;

41. Emphasize the importance and necessity of education of the past and recent history of colonialism, racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance to prevent the recurrence of similar policies and practices;

42. Further recognize the necessity of increasing appropriate preventive measures in order to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination, and the important role that Governments, international organizations, the media, non-governmental organizations and civil society can play in developing such measures and building confidence between different racial and ethnic groups;

43. Reaffirm the responsibility of Governments for safeguarding and protecting the rights of individuals within their jurisdiction against crimes perpetrated by racist or xenophobic individuals or groups;

44. Express deep concern at the use of new information technologies, such as the Internet, to propagate racial hatred, xenophobia, racial discrimination and related intolerance, including access to this propagation by children and youth;

45. Recognize that the use of these new information technologies, including the Internet, should contribute to combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and that should also be used to promote tolerance and respect for diversity;

46. Note with concern the widening use by some groups and organizations of the opportunities provided by print, audio-visual and electronic media as well as scientific and technological progress, such as the Internet, to promote racist and xenophobic propaganda aimed at inciting societies throughout the world to racial hatred and in this connection, urge all Governments to take necessary measures against such incitement;

47. Recognize the important role of civil society in the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance by proposing strategies against such forms of discrimination and assisting Governments in their implementation;

48. Also recognize that international exchange and dialogue among youth is an important element of building intercultural understanding and respect and will contribute to the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;

49. Resolutely condemn any ideologies and practices based on racial discrimination or superiority which entail abuse of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and affirm that all States have the obligation to take all available means to combat these ideologies, activities and practices based on racial discrimination or superiority;

50. Recognize that States which pursued policies or practices based on racial or national superiority, such as colonial or other forms of alien domination or foreign occupation, slavery, slave trade and ethnic cleansing, should assume the responsibility and compensate the victims of such policies or practices;

51. Recognize the need to adopt and implement strictly, stringent laws, administrative measures, and action plans aimed at countering all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and to carry out exhaustive, timely and impartial investigations of all acts of racism, racial discrimination to penalize those responsible according to the law and to secure prompt and fair reparation for the victims;

52. Recognize the importance of national human rights institutions, Ombudspersons and such other entities in the struggle against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and reaffirm the need for such entities to be established where they do not exist, and the need, as provided by law, for maximum cooperation with such institutions by authorities and societies in general in those countries where they exist;

53. Reaffirm that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance need to be addressed both in times of peace and during armed conflict and note that States and the international community should remain especially vigilant during periods of armed conflict and continue to combat all forms of racial discrimination;

54. Recall that racial non-discrimination is a fundamental principle of international humanitarian law and urge all parties to armed conflicts to scrupulously abide by the rules laid down in this body of law prohibiting adverse distinction;

55. Express our solidarity with the peoples of Africa in their continuing struggle against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and recognize the sacrifices made by them as also their efforts in raising international public opinion agaist this inhuman tragedy;

56. Recall the importance of international cooperation to promote (a) the achievement of the objectives of the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance; (b) the effective implementation of international treaties and instruments that forbid these practices; and, (c) the implementation of the United Nations and States' obligations in this regard;

57. Reiterate our determination to promote respect for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and, the Vienna Declaration and Plan of Action and the implementation by States Parties to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, and other related instruments that oppose and combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;

58. Recognize that a worldwide strategy formulated by States against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance can only succeed with the cooperation of States, regional and international organizations, non-governmental organizations, individuals and communities. The formulation of such a strategy should take into consideration the opinions and demands of the victims of such discrimination.