afrol News, 25 August - The federal government of Nigeria has assured its commitment in the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

In this regard, Nigeria promised to support national and international bodies committed to the same course.

The pledge was disclosed by Nigeria's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Tijjani Kaura, while addressing the opening ceremony of Africa's regional preparatory meeting for the Durban Review Conference in the capital Abuja on Sunday.

"Nigeria believes that gaps in the existing international instruments to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance should be bridged through a number of measures, including provision of support and technical assistance to states as appropriate,' he said, urging the international bodies to reinforce the fight against racism and xenophobia.

"It is only by doing so that we can justify the sacrifices of our heroes past, some of who laid down their lives in the struggle against colonialism, racism, apartheid, racial injustice and other forms of discrimination."

Secretary General of the Durban Review Conference, Mr Bacre Ndiaye said despite giant strides on human rights, Africa has been common for being a continent where unprecedented scale of human rights violations occur.

"Discrimination is usually the root of insecurity and economic situation. There is need to extend the values we ascribe to ourselves to other people which would in turn create a better world," he said.

The regional meeting is part of the preparations for a major global conference and related issues scheduled to take place next April in Geneva.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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