E/CN.4/1997/71 page 7 “Cuba is broadly sympathetic to the desire to hold a world conference under United Nations auspices before the end of the century to consider contemporary forms of racism and racial discrimination and draw up effective strategies for opposing them. We hope your consultations on the matter will lead to the realization of this desire.” 19. The Turkish Government is of the opinion that: “Racism is one of the most serious problems affecting the contemporary world. People are being denied their basic rights; their houses, shops, mosques, churches and synagogues are burned to the ground; they are beaten up, maimed and even killed; and all this in the name of an evil we call racism, which does not leave its victims alone even after they die: the number of cemeteries that are being desecrated is growing at a worrisome pace. “What is this evil phenomenon which has led to untold horrors in the past, and is still causing immense anguish and pain in today's relatively civilized world? Many explanations have been forwarded by differing circles. But there is one essential fact which we cannot afford to overlook: racism is a malignant state of mind whereby one human being despises and maltreats another one of his kind without any reason except physical difference. There is no conflict in the case of racism. Conflicts take place between at least two parties which compete for gaining advantage over a given material or moral stake. The stake may be land, or political power, or economic benefit, anything which brings about a certain advantage. But in racism there is no stake, let alone a competitive one. There is no relationship at all between the victim and the racist. There is only one party actively involved. The victims are not even aware of the sinister danger until they are victimized. They do not provoke or warrant the treatment they are given. It is worse: their very existence is a provocation for those whose minds are warped by racism. “Racism is unilateral, and is not precipitated by any stake. Hence, the non-causal nature and the irrationality of racism on the one hand; and the innocence par excellence of the victim on the other hand. The irrationality of racism makes it even more dangerous because there is no logical cure which may be found. As such, racism is diametrically opposed to the basic tenets of human rights and civilization. It does not belong to the world we call our own. “Therefore, racism must be combated with all available means. However, in order to effectively combat racism and ensure its eradication, we first need to elaborate a comprehensive diagnosis of the problem. In this context, we should first distinguish the visible manifestations of racism, from its more subtle forms. A recent study commissioned by the ILO on racial discrimination in the employment market constitutes a vivid example in this regard. Another feature of racism is its ability to successfully adapt to the changing environment. Suffice it to mention that in the contemporary world which emphasizes