A national forum to curtail racism is to be launched in Pretoria next week, the justice department said on Friday.
It said the initiative resulted from the World Conference against Racism (WCAR) in 2001, where it was resolved that United Nations (UN) member states should develop action plans.
The WCAR programme of action required governments to devise such plans in consultation with human rights institutions and non-governmental organisations. The department said cabinet had accordingly approved the establishment of the National Forum against Racism.
It also decided the SA Human Rights Commission should oversee the development of an anti-racism programme to be put into action by the forum. The launch of this body on Wednesday would be preceded by a meeting of experts from organisations involved.
”At this meeting a government plan of action is to be tabled with a request that NGOs [non-governmental organizations], business and other stakeholders provide input with a view to developing a consolidated national action plan to be lodged with the UN in due course,” the department said.
The launch at the Presidential Guest House is to be addressed by UN special rapporteur on racism Dodudodu Diene and South African Justice Minister Penuell Maduna. – Sapa