United Nations World Conference Against Racism

To me, one of the most important things that happened during the Third U.N. World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and all kinds of Racial Intolerance, besides it being a moment of learning, was to be with those people who are discriminated against: to see with them, to feel with them and to hear their voices.

It was also a moment to raise one’s awareness of the deep and numerous wounds humanity suffers.

I had the opportunity to come to know several people, among them indigenous peoples from various parts of the world and to share with them about their needs and sufferings.

It was very important for the peoples of the world without minding skin color, race or creed, to sit down together, without fear of their differences to write a common document (the Declaration) to help heads of government, other leaders and those interested in a better life for those who are excluded from society.

It still is too soon for us to perceive the dimensions and repercussions of this event.

I hope to be able to talk about what I saw, felt and lived through here in Durban with all those I have come in contact with, both in my work with indigenous peoples, with the Sisters, the families. I hope to be able to contribute to the building of a new society, where all may truly be brothers and sisters.

May the gathering of our efforts help us reach the objectives of this Conference and may it have brought a little bit of hope for all of the human family.

Sister Maria Lúcia Barbosa de Oliveira, SFP