PREFACE ICERD is a specific instrument that defines a particular form of social practice (racial discrimination) and specifies a programme of legal obligations necessary to combat it. It is not a ‘bucket shop’ for random violations of human rights. It is therefore important for civil society to understand the nature of the instrument in terms of the concepts it contains as well as its procedures. Otherwise the interventions of civil society will not be effective. The Guide importantly combines an illuminating account of the norms and standards of ICERD together with an analysis of the procedures, employing explanatory case studies where appropriate. The Convention is not an easy instrument to understand. The Guide takes the reader to first base and beyond; putting knowledge into practical effect necessitates further applied analysis and reflection, and hard work. I am therefore pleased to commend this Guide to its readership, which will be a wide readership, doubtless including members of CERD itself. There is perhaps less written about ICERD than about other ‘core’ UN human rights conventions. The Guide goes some way to remedying this lacuna in the literature. Racial discrimination remains one of the most pressing and sensitive human rights issues of our day, and is the cause of much conflict and suffering. Working with the Convention through the Guide will not solve every problem but will signpost avenues of redress that offer hope for many victims, actual and potential, of racial discrimination. There is good advice and practical wisdom in the present Guide on how to make the best of opportunities for engaging with CERD. Its publication is a significant occasion for all stakeholders in the fight against racism. Civil society in particular should take advantage of the occasion: Carpe Diem! Patrick Thornberry Member of CERD July 2011 ix ICERD & CERD: A GUIDE FOR CIVIL SOCIETY ACTORS