Statement of Mary Robinson United nations high commissioner for human rights: African reginal experts seminar on the prevention of ethnic and racial conflicts

Abstract

Statement of Mary Robinson United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights at the world conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance; African Regional Experts Seminar on the prevention of Ethnic and Racial Conflicts. Ms. Robinson, on her remarks outlined that, Africa has a wide range of experience in the operation of preventive arrangements for dealing with threats of conflict, ethnic or otherwise. As part of an overall preventive approach, strategies to reduce tensions and violence resulting from such conflicts may include: early-warning mechanisms; preventive diplomacy; mediation; promotion of tolerance through human rights education and training for government agents; ensuring better representation of all segments of the society; affirmative action, the promotion of multiculturalism and accountability.