Message of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson

Geneva, 16 July 2002—World Civil Society Forum

Audio

Dear friends,

I really wish I could be with you in person today. The wide range of issues you will be discussing at this, the first World Civil Society Forum, is truly impressive. Your objective, to strengthen co-operation and dialogue between organisations of civil society and the United Nations is more vital now than ever.

Many of you were in Durban last year at the World Conference Against Racism. I was greatly encouraged by the active role that civil society from all parts of the world played in ensuring that the conference, notwithstanding difficulties, produced a forward looking program of action, that identifies practical steps in the struggle against racism. I was also impressed by the development of a global alliance of civil society that will work to see to it that governments live up to the commitments made in Durban. I would encourage all of you to make follow up to Durban one of your key priorities at this forum and indeed beyond.

I welcome the growing influence of civil society in the public debate on human rights. Civil society is being called on to participate in new approaches to solving global problems. As High Commissioner I have witnessed first hand the vital contribution of non-governmental organisations and civil society groups. In my office we’re taking steps to ensure that civil society’s voice and active participation are a central part of our work.

Within the wider UN system, developments such as the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the first session of which took place this May, and the Social Forum, established by the UN Commission on Human Rights, will create new spaces for dialogue and for exchange with civil society.

Clearly the many challenges to human rights will not be fully addressed without mobilising the energies of all parts of society - working in coalitions of common calls is the only way we will make real progress on achieving the millennium declaration goals. I’m grateful for your continuing commitment to the objectives of the United Nations. I am convinced that more must be done to find creative ways of drawing on your immense resources at all levels. Our ability to improve the lives of all people will depend on the ability of all sectors of society to move beyond ideology and work together in the search for solutions. My UN colleagues and I look forward to seeing your recommendations for how we can do just that, and so I wish you all the best for a successful conference.

Thank you.