Diane Watson: “It is a distinct honor to participate with representatives from around the world who are joined in one common concern…”

“It is a distinct honor to participate with representatives from around the world who are joined in one common concern, and that is the elimination of the scourge of racism. No nobler intent can there be to express our support for eradicating this menace that has permeated our halls of justice, our halls and places of power, our board rooms, our schoolrooms, and our main streets. I use as a frame of reference my own place of birth, the United States of America, which has failed to send a high-level delegation. So I have to say, shame, shame on America. You have demonstrated your reluctance to sit at the table of nations to discuss past policies that have contaminated our relations between the majority and the minority in our own country. So deep are the wounds that healing appears to be unattainable and the political will evasive.”