The United Nations (UN) Third World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance (WCAR) will be held in Durban, South Africa in August and September 2001. This meeting represents the global community's recognition of the universal need to address racial discrimination and its destructive effects. The United States not only must participate in WCAR but, as a principle member of the UN body, must be a leader in supporting the process and substance of the Racism Conference. To that end, LCCR urges the U.S. to keep intact and continue to enhance the staff of the White House Interagency Task Force on the WCAR. The talent and expertise of the Task Force staff, which has worked with the U.S. Department of State, have enhanced ability of the US to be a leader in this area and allowed for valuable input from U.S. NGOs whose goals and objectives mirror the WCAR.
Of equal importance is the United States' financial commitment to the WCAR. LCCR urges the Administration to take this obligation seriously and ensure that its contribution to WCAR reflects the seriousness and importance of these issues to our national identity and world at large. At a minimum, the United States' financial commitment to WCAR should be no less than the commitment the U.S. made for the Beijing Women's Conference and similar gatherings. This is a unique opportunity for the United States to demonstrate its commitment to worldwide equality. LCCR urges the Administration to take advantage of it.
