During March 2001, Her Excellency Mrs Mary Robinson, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, paid a fleeting two-day visit to South Africa. Mrs Robinson was in the country as a guest of the South African government to discuss the Third United Nations' World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, which will be held in Durban from 30 August - 7 September 2001. The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has greatly honoured to host Mrs Robinson on the morning of 15 March 2001.

Mrs Robinson met the staff of the SAHRC and discussed the work of the Commission in developing and sustaining a culture of human rights in the country. She was particularly interested to learn about the SAHRC's Inquiry into Racism in the Media and the National Conference on Racism. In her capacity as High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs Robinson also took the opportunity to discuss with South African Human Rights Commission its role in co-ordinating the participation of other national institutions at the World Conference.

After Mrs Robinson's address to staff, some of the SAHRC Commissioners and senior members of staff accompanied her to the Hector Peterson Memorial where she laid a wreath. Thereafter the party went to Orlando West High School in Soweto where she addressed learners on human rights and racism. In her address she emphasised the crucial role that the youth should play in promoting a culture of tolerance and respect which constitute the main focus for the World Conference. The school's youngsters, in turn, showed their diverse talents and honoured their special guest by means of prayers, song and dance.

The SAHRC was thrilled to have this opportunity of interacting with someone as notable in the field of human rights as Mrs Robinson and to hear her mention areas of our work that she recognises as valuable and contributing to the worldwide culture of human rights. Good media coverage was obtained and many South Africans were able to hear some of Mrs Robinson's insightful comments via TV, radio and the print media.

Phumla Mthala
SAHRC Media Liaison Officer

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