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PERMANENT MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS 305 Easl47lh Street· New York, N.V. 10017' Tel: (212) 573-6033' Fax: (212) 573-6160

Statement By

His Excellency Mr. Rahamtalla Mohamed Osman Elnor Undersecretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Sudan

At the

High level Meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the 10th anniversary ofthe adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA)

Of the

Sixty-sixth Session of the United Nations General Assembly

New York September 22,2011

Excellencies Heads of State and government, President of the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz AI-nasser, Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, It gives me great honor to address this high level meeting on behalf of the African Group to commemorate, the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), Adopted by consensus at the 2001 World Conference against Racism in Durban, South Africa. The DDPA is the most comprehensive, action-oriented global framework to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. The Group welcomes the progress made at the national, regional and international levels in conformity with the obligations and commitments of Durban. This event undoubtedly provides a timely opportunity to assess the progress made in implementation of the outcome of the Conference, identify the obstacles and challenges encountered and find the appropriate solutions they require. Today, we do not only commemorate Durban but we reaffirm and renew our firm global political commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, and the Outcome of the Durban Review in 2009.

We are encouraged by those Governments that have adopted, since the adoption of the Durban Deceleration and Program of Action landmark and progressive legislative and administrative measures to effectively combat racism, racial discrimination, protection of the rights of migrants and racial,
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national or ethnic, and linguistic minorities, and to combat incitement to hatred based on religion or belief.

Despite efforts undertaken by the international community, Governments and local authorities, the scourge of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance persist and continue to result in violations of human rights, suffering, disadvantage and violence. We are still concerned that there has been a diminishing of civil liberties. We are alarmed at these assaults on human rights and a resurgence of violent incidents of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance persists. We note, however, the decisive steps taken by some Member States, the United Nations system and the international community at large to oppose racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance persists and to enhance dialogue with the aim of understanding and promoting tolerance and full respect of cultural ad ethnical diversity. These efforts must be complemented and strengthened through responsible media awareness campaigns and promotion of the principles of tolerance, mutual respect and understanding through the educational systems.

Mr. Chairman, The African Group welcomes the commemoration of the adoption of the 10th anniversary of the Adoption of Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), the African Group believes that this commemoration express a unique opportunity to rebuild strong international consensus and mark the renewal of international engagement in the struggle against racism racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

In light of the persistent challenges, we should translate our commitment into action and take appropriate measures to implement the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, as well as the outcome document of the Durban Review Conference, which constitute the most comprehensive international framework in the fight against racism. Furthermore, it is
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indispensable to address with greater resolve and political will all forms and manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, in all spheres of life and in all parts of the world, including all those under foreign occupation. The African Group pleased that this commemoration is well attended and the declaration by this high level meeting will be adopted consensually by all participants' states, which express the international community will to be
United against intolerance. racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related

The Group emphasizes that the momentum gained by the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DOPA) and their follow-up mechanisms, particularly within the UNITED Nations system, will further strengthen the DOPA and creates further impetus for the accelerated implementation by States and other actors of the laudable objectives encapsulated in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. The DOPA adopts a victim-oriented approach to problems of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Specific recommendations are formulated to combat discrimination against Africans and persons of African descent, Asians and persons of Asian descent, indigenous peoples, migrants, refugees, minorities, the Roma and other groups. The group emphasizes that the pledges and commitments made must be effectively implemented by all States, which retain the primary responsibility in this respect. Reaffirms that the international convention on the Elimination of all forms of racial Discrimination and the Durban Declaration and Program of Action (DOPA) remain the bases and fundamental legal framework for the effective elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. The Group reiterates that slavery and the slave trade, including the transatlantic slave trade, new and emerging forms of slavery such as human trafficking, apartheid and colonialism must never be forgotten and in this regard welcomes actions undertaken to honour the memory of victims through the establishment of the memorial commemorating 200 years of abolishing trans-atlantic slave trade and slavery at the premises of the
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United Nations in New York. Furthermore, the Group recalls the adoption of the General Assembly Resolution "United Nations Global of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons" Res AlRES/64/293 and urges for its implementation.

Mr. Chairman, For the African Group, this event will provide an opportunity for Heads of State and Government to mobilize political will. We would like to see this tenth anniversary celebrated in a befitting manner during the round table's discussion, the culmination of which will be the adoption of an outcome that encapsulates the global resolve to end racism and place victims at the centre of our deliberations.

I thank you Mr. Chairman,

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