MESSAGE FROM SWEDISH CENTRE AGAINST RACISM TO PRESS CONFERENCE ON SWITZERLAND AND THE TRANSATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE, 19 OCTOBER, 2006The Swedish Centre against Racism which assembles more than 100 Swedish organisations in the work against racism sends its greetings and best wishes to the organizers of the press conference on issues relating to the transatlantic slave trade and the role of Switzerland to be held at the National Council, Bern, 19 October 2006.
We strongly share the view that there is a need also for smaller European countries who participated in the slave trade, such as Sweden, Denmark, Brandenburg and Switzerland, to seek the truth and reflect on their role and responsibilities in this crime against humanity.
The Centre against Racism has initiated research into the much forgotten participation of Sweden in the transatlantic slave trade and is organizing a conference on the slave trade and its implications for present day racism in Stockholm, 11 November.
It should be recalled that the 2001 Durban United Nations World Conference against Racism clearly identified in its final document the transatlantic slave trade as being among the major sources of racism and racial discrimination. We are convinced of the importance of raising this matter in the call for the full implementation of the Durban agreements and for all governments to be held accountable.
We welcome the several proposals and initiatives that have been taken in the UN Human Rights Council and in the General Assembly relating to anniversaries of the abolition of the slave trade and for holding a high level Durban review conference and call on all countries and public opinion to cooperate for a renewed commitment in the struggle against racism.
Mkyabela Sabuni
Executive Secretary
Centre against RacismCentrum mot Rasism, Sveavägen 59, 3tr, Box 3388, 103 68 Stockholm, Sweden
Web-site: http://www.centrummotrasism.nu/