MARCH 20, 1992
...Mindful of the developments that have taken place in South Africa, today's observance assumes an added importance. There is the temptation to be resigned to the notion that since key apartheid legislation has been repealed, that all is well in South Africa - and that racism and apartheid are dead. In reality, this is far from the truth. We in this Committee have consistently insisted that the repeal of apartheid legislation and thus the removal of the theoretical basis for the existence of apartheid is not synonymous with an end to apartheid. We have continuously expressed profound concern about the legacy and vestiges of apartheid. We have also, reiterated the need to arrest the prevalent violence - which is in itself a by-product of the apartheid system. All these, coupled with the stark and grave socio-economic inequalities which exist today in South Africa, are pointers to the bedevilling problems that the South African nation confronts because of the existence of racism.
While our preoccupation in this Committee is with South Africa and political developments in that country, it must be borne in mind that universally, and in spite of the United Nations Charter and the Declaration on Human Rights, racism continues unabated - becoming by the day insidious both in its scope and character.
The United Nations, over the years has decried racism. In the same context, it has described apartheid as a crime against humanity. Assiduous efforts are being made now, not only to eradicate apartheid through peaceful negotiations, but to bring about a non-racial and democratic society in South Africa. We, as members of the international community, are duty bound to assist in every way possible in bringing about that desirable reality in South Africa.
Only three days ago, an all-white referendum was conducted in South Africa. The imperative need and outcome of that referendum notwithstanding, it did underscore the need why racism must continuously be challenged wherever it exists. No rationalization whatsoever, can justify the circumstances in which the fate of an entire nation is determined by the marginal consideration and opinion of just a segment of that society, and along racial lines. As I did observe prior to the referendum, it proves once again that the ongoing process is not irreversible.
In spite of some auspicious developments in South Africa, there remain several reasons to be cautiously optimistic. It is realistically accepted that there is an overwhelming capacity that some political imponderables may occur that may influence and affect developments so far achieved. The concern that such impact may be negative cannot be taken for granted. Equally, past experiences have shown that when they occur, they are often racially motivated.
Your Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
It behooves us all, as we mark this day, to make every effort and contribution possible towards enhancing and supporting the current negotiations under the framework of CODESA. It cannot be over-emphasized that should the current negotiations suffer a reverse, the disastrous consequences both inside and outside South Africa will be difficult to fathom. In the context of racism which we discuss today, it must be acknowledged that a return to the regressive and repressive policies of apartheid of the past - will be a return to unprecedented racism as well as the attendant violence.
Thus, while today ought not to be a day of recriminations, we must observe it with a resolve to work in a concerted manner towards eradicating racism wherever it exists, and particularly, in apartheid South Africa. Our collective responsibility is a moral one - and our obligation must be anchored on our individual sense and commitment to fairness, equity and social justice as well as unwavering support for the fundamental human rights of every citizen of our world.