Source: Amnesty International –
The third UN Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance in 2001 was a watershed moment for millions across the world. Seven thousand people representing governments and civil society from 170 countries gathered in Durban, South Africa. Led by countries in the Global South, the Durban Conference challenged the idea that human rights is a Western concept, recognized the historical roots of contemporary forms of racism and called on States to repair the lasting consequences of colonialism and slavery. While the US and Israel withdrew from the Conference, the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action were adopted, both of which became foundational documents for the global fight against racism. But with racism still very much alive, we spoke with activists about their struggles and hopes.
My name is Mandi Mudarikwa and I’m a human rights strategic litigator at Amnesty International. My legal career has been about using law and the courts as instruments of justice, accountability, and the advancement and enjoyment of human rights.
Human rights are a promise and a commitment. The promise of equality, freedom of speech, privacy and access to, among others, health and education as well as the commitment to make these rights a reality. Too often, however, these are promises that remain as words on paper. In this context, my work seeks to use strategic and precedent-setting litigation to challenge systemic injustice, shape progressive jurisprudence, and advance human rights standards across diverse legal systems.