E/CN.4/1996/72/Add.3
page 12
projects aimed at integration are being carried out, involving housing
renovation, school construction, the improvement of health systems, the
establishment of recreation centres, etc., in close cooperation with the
Social Action Fund (FAS) and the Regional Commission for the Integration of
Immigrant Populations (CRIPI). A deputy prefect in charge of urban policy has
been appointed to coordinate these activities. In Toulon, the Departmental
Unit for Action to Combat Racism and Xenophobia and Anti-Semitism has
published a leaflet entitled "White-Black: A Challenge to Be Met" in order to
increase young people's awareness of racism.
III.
ACTION TAKEN BY CIVIL SOCIETY
41.
Various associations are attempting to reverse the trend towards
manifestations of racism and xenophobia. For example, the Droit et démocratie
(Law and Democracy) association organized a very important symposium on the
discriminatory aspects of the Pasqua Acts in July 1993. In cooperation with
university officials, leaders of associations, journalists, researchers and
political experts, the Union of African Workers in France (Union des
travailleurs africains en France) sponsored an in-depth discussion on "the new
faces of racism and xenophobia" in Europe (a topic which was the subject of a
seminar held in August 1994) and carried out a public awareness campaign. The
France Libertés: Fondation Danielle Mitterrand association has also become
involved in action to combat racism, particularly by publishing a "European
passport against racism", which invites the bearer to help combat racism and
recalls the main provisions of the laws against racism. This passport has
been used by the Council of Europe in its "All Different, All Equal" campaign.
Also worthy of mention is the support provided to victims of racism by the
International Association of Democratic Lawyers and the International League
against Racism and Anti-Semitism. These associations have been discussing
ways of changing the law.
42.
However, it should be noted that, generally speaking, there is a
demobilization of civil society with regard to action to combat racism and
racial discrimination. In a survey, the National Consultative Commission on
Human Rights has shown that there is a "low level of personal commitment". It
notes that "only 27 per cent of the French are prepared to take part in a
demonstration and only 24 per cent are willing to join an anti-racist
association". 15
43.
People seem to be getting used to the atmosphere of xenophobia and they
have their eyes turned towards Europe; they want to live with their own kind.
As a political figure told the Special Rapporteur, "As a French-speaking
African, you surely don't believe that speaking the same language makes us
brothers!". And what was the point of mentioning the black skin colour of
Cardinal Gantin, Dean of the College of Cardinals, in the press's reporting of
the Holy See's decision concerning Monsignor Gaillot?
44.
so.
This demobilization is taking place in trade unions as well, if not more
Once at the forefront of the fight against racial discrimination in
15
p. 52.
Commission nationale consultative des droits de l'homme,
op. cit .,