Racism originates not in the skin but in the human mind. Remedies to racial prejudice, xenophobia and intolerance must accordingly address, first and foremost, the mental illusions that for thousands of years have generated false concepts of superiority and inferiority among human beings. At the root of this intolerance is the erroneous idea that humankind is composed of separate and distinct races, peoples or castes, and that these sub-groups possess varying intellectual, moral and/or physical capacities, which justify different forms of treatment.
The reality is that there is only one human race. We are a single people, inhabiting one planet: one human family bound together in a common destiny and obligated to "be even as one soul."
Recognition of this truth is the antidote to racism, xenophobia and related intolerance. It should therefore continue to be the guiding principle behind all the discussions, deliberations and ultimate outcome of the Durban Review Conference. Indeed, a proper understanding of this fact can carry humanity beyond intermediate notions of tolerance based on multi-culturalism. Such concepts are stepping-stones towards a peaceful and just world but insufficient to eradicate the deeply rooted afflictions of racism and related prejudice.
The principle of human oneness strikes a chord in the deepest reaches of the spirit. It is not just a way of talking about ideals of solidarity. Nor is it some vague concept or slogan. It reflects an eternal, spiritual, moral and physical reality brought into focus by humanity's collective coming of age in the twentieth century. It is all the more visible now because the peoples of the world have many ways to perceive their interdependence and become conscious of their underlying unity.
Perceiving humanity's collective oneness comes after a historic process in which individuals gathered into ever greater units. From clans to tribes, to city-states and nations, to unions and associations of States, the next step for humanity is to create a diverse and yet unified global civilization – where all people, populations and cultures are component parts of a single organism: humanity itself. As stated by Bahá'u'lláh over 100 years ago, "The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens." :) :) :)