Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination
Statement delivered by Marie Schwarz, International Federation representative, to the 59th Session of the Commission on Human Rights, Geneva
15/03/2003




Madam Chair,

My contribution today is framed by our contribution to the Durban Conference, our contributions to this commission in previous years (2001 and 2002), as well as the address last week to this commission by the President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Our International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies works in the framework of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. In this regard we wish to support the position presented by the ICRC.

The Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, Universality) provide a solid basis for work to alleviate tension, combat discrimination and have an impact not only on vulnerable persons but on the public as a whole.

In response to the rise in discrimination and violence, in particular against minorities, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies stepped up its efforts, intensifying its Global-Local Action to fight against discrimination, launched and announced last year to this Commission.

I recall that States party to the Geneva Conventions as well as the National Red Cross Red Crescent Societies pledged, during the 27th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (held in Geneva from 31 October to 6 November 1999), to "cooperate and, as appropriate, take initiatives to promote tolerance, non-violence in the community and respect for cultural diversity".

Concerning the Federation,
a number of Regional Actions have been implemented over the last few months (for instance in Central Africa, Central Asia and in the Americas);
furthermore, Communities of Practices have been developed, facilitating the sharing of experience and good practices to combat discrimination, both within the Federation network and with external partners.
Some National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have already indicated to us their programmes or their interest in participating in these Communities of Practices. A data base presenting good ideas and good practices in fighting discrimination and violence in the community is under developement.

As announced during the expert meeting, called jointly by the High Commission for Human Rights and UNESCO, last February in Paris, this data base will be available to those interested, and posted on the Federation web site. (http://www.ifrc.org).

Already, the experiences of 28 National Societies, from all continents, have been collected (Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Iceland, Lithuania, Malawi, Mexique, Nepal, Norway, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Sierra Leone, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden) and others are expected (one hundred before the end of the year).

This Action to reduce discrimination and violence in the community involves a number of areas (linked to problems such as AIDS, asylum seekers and migrants) over several years and is rooted at the local and community levels, i.e. where such action can have a real, lasting impact.
We are most pleased to be able to further strengthen, in such a concrete manner, our contribution towards More Humanity in the world, within the framework of our ongoing cooperation with the High Commission for Human Rights and especially before the next International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent to take place in Geneva this December.
The fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination requires the involvement of every single one of us.
Thank you.