Durban Declaration and Programme of Action of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance

1. We declare that for the purpose of the present Declaration and Programme of
Action, the victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance are
individuals or groups of individuals who are or have been negatively affected by, subjected to, or
targets of these scourges;

2. We recognize that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance occur on the grounds of race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin and that
victims can suffer multiple or aggravated forms of discrimination based on other related grounds
such as sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, social origin, property, birth or other
status;

3. We recognize and affirm that, at the outset of the third millennium, a global fight
against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and all their abhorrent
and evolving forms and manifestations is a matter of priority for the international community,
and that this Conference offers a unique and historic opportunity for assessing and identifying all
dimensions of those devastating evils of humanity with a view to their total elimination through,
inter alia, the initiation of innovative and holistic approaches and the strengthening and
enhancement of practical and effective measures at the national, regional and international
levels;

4. We express our solidarity with the people of Africa in their continuing struggle
against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and recognize the
sacrifices made by them, as well as their efforts in raising international public awareness of these
inhuman tragedies;

5. We also affirm the great importance we attach to the values of solidarity, respect,
tolerance and multiculturalism, which constitute the moral ground and inspiration for our
worldwide struggle against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance,
inhuman tragedies which have affected people throughout the world, especially in Africa, for too
long;

6. We further affirm that all peoples and individuals constitute one human family,
rich in diversity. They have contributed to the progress of civilizations and cultures that form the
common heritage of humanity. Preservation and promotion of tolerance, pluralism and respect
for diversity can produce more inclusive societies;

7. We declare that all human beings are born free, equal in dignity and rights and
have the potential to contribute constructively to the development and well-being of their
societies. Any doctrine of racial superiority is scientifically false, morally condemnable, socially
unjust and dangerous, and must be rejected along with theories which attempt to determine the
existence of separate human races;