Former Prime Minister I K Gujral and Deputy Chairperson of Rajya Sabha, NajmaHeptulla are among the 20-member newly-constituted 'Eminent Persons Group'announced by High Commissioner for Human rights "to sketch a vision offuture free of racism."
"The Group would include Mikhail Gorbachev, former President of Russia,and Jimmy Carter, former president of the US," Mary Robinson told reporterstoday, announcing the Group headed by former South African President NelsonMandela.
"The members of this remarkable group have spoken out consistently,loudly and clearly for tolerance, for valuing diversity and for the virtue oflearning from the past to build a better future," Robinson said.
She said the Group would be looked upon to provide leadership and inspirationin the run up to the World Conference against Racism scheduled to be held inDurban from August 31 to September seven this year.
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About 5,000 to 8,000 delegates from all over the world are expected toparticipate in the conference, she said.
The High Commissioner, who is also the Secretary-General of the Conference,said the Group would "lift the debate to a higher level of moral awarenessfocussing on the values of how we relate to each other as human beings.
"The Group is an expression of the worldwide civil society alliance thatis emerging against racism. Before, during and after Durban, I believe they canhelp build the critical mass of support needed to finally eradicate the plaguesof racism and intolerance," Robinson said.
"They have very willingly and quickly come together because they believein the inventive, creative and moral capacities ready to be released when we allfinally realise that we are part of one human family," she said.
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Members of the Group will meet in Geneva for two days from August 2 to givefinishing touches to the World Conference.
"The world needs to have a breakthrough in racism," she said.
Simultaneously a youth forum will be organised in Durban with assistance fromSouth African Association for Youth Clubs, starting from August 27, she said.
