The National Human Rights Commission is organizing a national seminar on “Racism and racial intolerance”, on 11 August 2001 in FICCI, New Delhi.

The exercise assumes special significance in view of the forth-coming World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, which is being organized at Durban in South Africa from 31 August to 7 September 2001.

The national consultation (public hearing) is also scheduled to be held on 11 August 2001 at the Commission Room, 3rd Floor, Federation House, FICCI, Tansen Marg, New Delhi.

The seminar, as well as the public consultation, is being organised with the objective of ascertaining the views of academics, judges, lawyers, human rights activists, NGOs and others on the issue of racism and racial intolerance. Issues relating to caste and race will also be discussed at the seminar.

These events are the first of their kind, and the Commission expect them to generate a full and frank exchange of views on these issues, including those relating to caste, race and related forms of discrimination.