La mort de Bassem Abu Rahma, tué par l’arméeisraélienne le vendredi précédent la conférence, lors de la manifestationpacifique hebdomadaire du village, a plané sur toute la conférence. Ce jeunehomme de 30 ans était en quelque sorte l’âme de la jeunesse du village etparticipait chaque vendredi à la manifestation en insistant auprès de ses camaradessur son caractère non-violent. Ce grand gaillard que le village appelaitfamilièrement « El Phil » (l’éléphant) était très écouté et caillouxet lance-pierres restaient souvent dans les poches. L’émotion était vive etnous, ainsi que tous les participants, l’avons profondément ressentie.

{image_1}  

PEOPLE UNITED AGAINST RACISM

Civil Society Forum 2009 for the DurbanReview Conference
17-19 April 2009, Geneva, Switzerland

 Geneva 2009 Declaration Against Racism
FROM THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE GENEVACIVIL SOCIETY FORUM 2009

A Time to Speak Out

We commit ourselves to renew our efforts and intensifyour work for the implementation of the 2001 landmark programme which constitutea solid foundation in the struggle of humankind against racism and racialdiscrimination.

We express our deep concern over the decision by somepowerful countries to boycott this important conference which falls short oftheir Charter obligations to combat racism and promote human rights for all.

We are appalled by the many obstacles that have beenput in the way of preparing and holding of the Durban Review Conference as aresult of lack of political will resulting in the erosion of support for theDurban Declaration and Programme of Action among some member states which alsohas been reflected in the lack of United Nations support and encouragement forCivil Society preparations for the Review Conference.