The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action

“Systemic racial discrimination extends beyond any expression of individual hatred… It results from bias in multiple systems and institutions of public policy, which separately and together perpetuate and reinforce barriers to equality... All of us need to call out and openly condemn all messages – especially political messages or discourses – which disseminate ideas based on racial superiority or hatred, or which incite racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance” UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, MICHELLE BACHELET

Twenty years ago, leaders from across the globe came together in Durban, South Africa to address the pernicious effects of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance at all levels. The World Conference Against Racism, as it was known, led to the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA) – a comprehensive and visionary document that embodies the world’s commitment to tackle the scourge of racism. The 20th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action – together with its follow up processes and mechanisms, the International Decade for People of African Descent, the Agenda Towards Transformative Change for Racial Justice and Equality and 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda – is a renewed opportunity to place racial equality and justice as the centrepiece of international, regional, and national agendas