This afternoon's panel discussion brought together several speakers who attended the April, 2009 Durban Review Conference in South Africa. They were asked to address the high points/ low points of their experience. What they felt was accomplished or missing. The challenges/obstacles remaining, and the next steps to be taken. The high points expressed were: Racism was still being discussed; this seen as a plus. Many side-events were well carried out. Low points were: Plenary sessions carried out without much substance. NGO's were told many times when they rose to speak, "You are out of order"! Global ageing population not considered as important. The accomplishment was that there was a conference; missing was a representative from U.S. gov't, and the E.U. The challenges expressed were: Racism, together with Fundamentalism is a Human Rights violation; this has to be recognized and challenged on all fronts. Obstacles remain when populations fail to use political will to come together and right
prejudices that exist. The representatives felt, however, despite the negatives, the document issued, with its recommendations, should be worked with so this issue will not die.
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