From its inception, this working group has demonstrated a strong commitment to the goal of realizing an Inter-American Convention Against Racism and All Forms of Discrimination and Intolerance. Counselor Silvio José Albuquerque e Silva, Chair and Alternate Representative of Brazil to the OAS and Counselor Margarita Eliana Manjarrez, Vice-Chair and Alternate Representative of Colombia to the OAS have shown outstanding leadership in working with delegations as well as coordinating and participating in the discussions of the Working Group.

I am particularly pleased with the early and sustained engagement of civil society organizations that have followed every step of this working group’s activities and, in many cases, have provided key contributions towards a future Inter-American Convention. In launching this effort and with your input, the OAS has a unique opportunity to create an inter-American instrument that could become a world model for dealing with the scourge of discrimination in all of its manifestations.

The Organization of American States takes the issue of inclusion very seriously. As established in Article 1 of the American Convention on Human Rights, we believe that it is incumbent upon governments to respect fundamental rights and freedoms regardless of “race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, economic status, birth, or any other social condition.”

Recognizing, respecting and safeguarding the fundamental rights and freedoms of all the peoples of the Americas and all humankind is essential. In this regard, the OAS has established a Working Group to Prepare the Draft American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The Western Hemisphere of nations is blessed with amazing diversity that showcases its multicultural, multilingual, multi-ethnic and multi-religious makeup. The ability to understand and embrace differences is a source of strength. Yet, all too often, minority ethnic groups and indigenous communities, among others, are marginalized to the point of invisibility and denied access to opportunity.

Racism, discrimination and intolerance are issues of real concern for all OAS Member States. Injurious bias reveals itself in both subtle and overt ways. It affects access to education, health care, employment, equal wages, and housing. Studies have shown that it even affects the delivery of justice – which is not always blind. Groups that have traditionally been targets of discrimination including blacks, indigenous communities, and women, account for a disproportionate percentage of the 240 million individuals living in poverty in this hemisphere.

The fact that this working group has just gone through a major exercise that included the participation of renowned authorities in the fight against racism, and all forms of discrimination and intolerance is a cause for celebration. Addressing these issues in a holistic manner is, in itself, a major challenge. Structural and institutional biases are complex and deep-rooted, but often overlooked. Promoting awareness and raising consciousness among the perpetrators of discrimination and those discriminated against will require major effort. I am therefore pleased to note that, in your deliberations, you have agreed on the importance of both education and legislation as mutually reinforcing elements.

By tackling a comprehensive agenda that examined current and emerging issues, existing regional and international instruments, and best practices, you have helped to signal an elevation in the public policy dialogue and started a new chapter in the inter-American approach to fighting all forms of discrimination.

History has shown that problems ignored and challenges unaddressed fester in ways that harm our democracies and constrain our ability as nations and individuals to attain our full potential. I am therefore extremely pleased to reaffirm the willingness of the OAS to address issues openly, to generate dialogue and to call for individual and collective action in order to seek and formulate long-term solutions.

We are now ready for the next steps. After today, this Working Group will be focusing on preparing for a meeting of experts in Brazil in March 2006, followed by the Regional Conference “Santiago + 5” which will also be held in Brazil. I wish to thank the government of Brazil for agreeing to host these important meetings and for their sustained effort in promoting these issues at the national and hemispheric levels.

In conclusion, there are numerous elements on the table to begin writing a preliminary draft of a future Inter-American Convention against Racism, and all Forms of Discrimination and Intolerance. We look forward to see the initiation of negotiations as a sign of the political will of Member States to address these issues.

Thank you.