Mr.Chairman, Distinguished Government Delegates and All other Participants:

In this very short time that has been allocated to all the NGOs, we would like to express our considerable concerns regarding the way the processes and procedures have been conducted throughout this Prep Com – in particular, concerning the participation of NGOs.

Mr. Chairman, NGOs provide a vital and indispensable wealth of information regarding racism. They are on the forefront of the fight against racism, and provide invaluable help to victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerances. Furthermore, NGOs themselves are comprised of victims of racism, thus the participation of NGOs is all the more crucial to bridge the gap between states and victims.

Mr. Chairman, in this respect, NGOs want to stress the necessity of having our voices heard in this essential and preparatory process from now until the third Prep. Com.

This includes getting adequate and regular briefings from the Group of 21 closed sessions, a group who will be crucial in consolidating the documents and moving the process further.

We have been in support of this preparatory process from the beginning and would like to continue doing so in a constructive way.

Given that several NGOs were unable to make their scheduled interventions and that many are unable to attend the Third Prep. Com due to funding considerations, we request that those NGOs scheduled to speak be able to submit their written interventions for government consideration.

We expect that this situation will not repeat itself in the Third Prep Com and that NGOs will be fully involved in a meaningful and direct way in this process from now, until and through Durban.

On behalf of all NGOs, I thank you.