Lessons from Durban

In: Socialism and democracy: the bulletin of the Research Group on Socialism and Democracy, Band 16, Heft 1, S. 115-118

Abstract

A member of the Black Radical Congress reports on the UN World Conference against Racism held in Durban, South Africa, 31 Aug to 7 Sept 2001. In spite of problems within the official US delegation that led them to walk out, the meeting gave many US activists their first exposure to issues of the Dalit, Roma, & Palestinian people, & pointed out the US government's isolation in international politics. The declaration produced by the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) section is described as a landmark achievement in the global antiracist struggle. The 8,000 or so delegates represented a cross-generational group comprised mostly of people of color from the Americas, Africa, & Asia. Their antiglobalization critique focused on both economic & social injustices in the struggle against racism, xenophobia, & other intolerances. North American delegates were uncomfortable with the linkage of racial justice demands & the critique of imperial globalization, wanting instead to keep the discussion within a narrower framework compatible with US economic, political, & military priorities. The implications for US policymakers are discussed. J. Lindroth