The struggle against racism was marked by writer Bonnie Greer, John Battle MP, Anglican priest Rose Hudson-Wilkin, and Dr Usama Hasan at celebrations to herald the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Catholic Association for Racial Justice.

Churches must commit to being instruments of change in church and society, participants in a global conference on "Churches against Racism" have declared.

A conference seeking to consolidate the legacy of the World Council of Churches' historic anti-racism efforts will take place from 14-17 June in Doorn near Utrecht in the Netherlands. The task is still a vital one.

Among the many arguments within and about the controversial UN review conference on racism, one that has attracted less media coverage is the overlooking of the struggles of 260 million so-called 'untouchables' in South Asia.

In spite of a massive row over Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech, the United Nations global anti-racism conference could still avoid failure, according to NGOs and campaigners.