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The issue of reparation and compensation for victims of slavery and exploitation would undoubtedly come up at the United Nations World Conference against Racism in Durban later this year, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson said.

Abstracts from article:

1. Ways must be found to recognise the wounds and dehumanisation of the victims of crimes against humanity, Robinson told reporters in Pretoria. "If it has effects up to today, the principle of compensation and reparation should apply."

2. The conference would, through political negotiation, have to address measures of how to compensate victims, whether through a development fund or measures specifically focusing on health and education in particular communities.

3. There were a lot of imaginary concerns about the issues of compensation and reparations, which would diminish once the political discussions really took place, Robinson said.

4. However important, one should not be absorbed by big political issues like reparation and compensation, and slavery in the past, but also ensure that a practical programme emerged from the discussions.

• Source: Full article "Compensation on UN agenda" appeared on the news24.com website