How Canada and the other nations deal with racism and diversity will be under scrutiny at the United Nations World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance. The conference, to be held in Durban, South Africa in 2001, will focus on a range of issues, from the sources and forms of racism to strategies for full equality.

This important conference provides an opportunity to motivate Canadians to move beyond tolerance and embrace diversity. Already in 2000, as part of the preparations, the Department of Canadian Heritage's national and regional consultations were a valuable opportunity to discuss the many forms and effects of racism and intolerance. The Commission participated in these consultations and followed closely the issues that call for attention here at home.

Canadians now recognize that our historical record in treating racial and ethnic minorities is flawed. One thinks of Chinese immigrants required to pay a head tax to enter Canada or other Asians simply excluded from immigration; Japanese and Ukranian Canadians interned because their country of origin was at war with Canada; or Jews denied refuge from Nazi persecution. The discrimination against, and segregation of, Blacks in numerous sectors of Canadian society and the encompassing mistreatment of the Aboriginal peoples are further examples of Canada's blemished past. The list goes on. It is not surprising, therefore, that a key theme to emerge from the consultations was Canada's need to take responsibility for this discrimination and to make amends.

The issue of redress and compensation for past wrongs is already emerging as a major theme of the World Conference Against Racism, despite some nations' reluctance to place the matter on the conference agenda. As Canadians know from our own experience with Indian residential schools and compensation for the internment of Japanese Canadians, redress of past wrongs is difficult and complex. Yet it must be addressed with determination and imagination if we are to build societies in which all human beings feel respected and valued. The Commission hopes that Canada will again show world leadership and explore ways to deal with this vital issue.

Preparations for the World Conference Against Racism are also underway at the international level. In December, the Commission's Secretary General accompanied the Canadian delegation to the Americas Regional Preparatory Conference in Santiago, Chile. Such regional meetings lay the foundation for renewed global and regional commitments and strategies to combat racism.

The historic treatment of indigenous peoples and dealing with its modern day manifestations is of concern throughout the Americas. The Commission hopes to work with a newly established Network of National Human Rights Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights of the Americas to ensure that this issue, along with those relating to other disadvantaged groups, is given full discussion at the conference, and afterwards.

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