The bitter arguments plaguing this week's UN World Conference against Racism began long before the delegates arrived in the South African city of Durban. The event was designed to address the problems of prejudice and resentment but seems rather to have exacerbated them...
Europe 'to apologise for slavery'
A woman holds a poster against slavery at the UN Racism Conference
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European delegates at the United Nations anti-racism conference in Durban have agreed to apologise for the slave trade. In another sign of progress at the conference, Muslim states say they are prepared, reluctantly, to adopt a compromise text on racism in the Middle East.
The BBC's David Loyn reports
Fresh move to end racism row
Anti-Israel protesters
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Arab states at a global racism conference in South Africa have rejected a compromise text on the Middle East aimed at preventing a walk-out by the European Union. The proposed draft called for recognition of the Palestinian people's plight, but had removed language that branded Israel a racist state.
The BBC's David Loyn reports
USA and Israel walk out
Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres said the convention was a source of hatred and unfounded accusation.
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The United States and Israeli delegations withdraw from the conference because of what they see as the gathering's "anti-Israel bias". The American Secretary of State, Colin Powell who had stayed away from the conference said the draft declaration contained "hateful language".
The BBC's David Loyn reports
Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres
Demands for slave trade apology
The Revd Jesse Jackson at a rally
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Former colonial powers such as Britain and Spain face growing demands to apologise for the slave trade. Some African and black American representatives are also demanding reparations. For their part, European nations were split on issuing an apology for their role in slavery.
The BBC's David Loyn reports
The Revd Jesse Jackson calls for the UK to apologise for slavery
Background to the row over the slave trade
Conference opens with call for unity
Israel was one of the main targets of protests at the start of the conference
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After the pre-conference wrangling, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan sought to bring delegates together, saying they should look beyond their individual disputes and develop an
international plan to combat prejudice. Outside on the streets of Durban, 10,000 people were demonstrating for a better world.
The BBC's Rageh Omaar reports
Kofi Annan's opening speech in full
The BBC's Rageh Omaar asks Kofi Annan what the conference can really achieve
Attacks on Zionism prompt US boycott
The US did not attend two previous conferences in 1978 and 1983
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The US Secretary of State, Colin Powell pulled out of the conference, protesting at language deemed to be critical of Israel. Despite assurances that moves to equate zionism with racism will not be on the official agenda, the US remains unsatisfied and is represented at the conference only at junior level.
The BBC's Emma Jones reports
The BBC's Roger Hearing asked the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson if it was her impression that after such a long gestation period and with so many contentious problems, the run up to the conference seemed to have been a bit of a mess.
Click here to listen.
BBC News Online looks at some of the issues on the conference agenda.
Slavery
Indigenous People
Post-apartheid South Africa
India's caste system
Slave trade
Many feel the US has problems with apologising for slavery and colonialism
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Everyone is happy to condemn slavery but African governments and human rights campaigners want to go further. Along with black Americans they want to see reparations for past exploitation.
The BBC's Rob Watson reports
The shadow of slavery hangs across Brazil
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Brazil is often seen as a country which manages racial harmony. But there is a growing movement among Brazilians of black descent which argues that they are barred from many priviliges enjoyed by those of European descent. At the centre of the movement are communities originally founded by former slaves.
The BBC's Tom Gibb reports
Indigenous people
In some places seven out of 10 prisoners are natives
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Canada, which has the reputation of being a liberal country, has a poor record in its treatment of indigenous people who complain of discrimination and racism. Native people there make up a disproportionately large part of the prison population. In some parts of the country seven out of 10 prisoners are native, with special jails built to house them near their reserves.
The BBC's Mike Fox reports
Post apartheid South Africa
Many feel there is still separation and inequality
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The end of apartheid saw an end to white rule in South Africa and its system of racist laws. But in many parts of the country, society is still struggling to adapt to the political changes. Many feel that separation, inequality and prejudice still exist and need attention.
The BBC's Barnaby Phillips reports
India's caste system
Much of India sticks religiously to the caste system
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A young Hindu boy and his girlfriend were hanged by relatives, Their offence, as members of different castes, was to fall in love. Such tragic cases are rare, but the caste system is still rigidly observed in some parts of India. There are calls for the issue to be discussed at the conference.
The BBC's Jill McGivering reports
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