Although the delegation includes Baroness Amos - who has a strong record on race issues – Amnesty International UK believes it lacks the weight and credibility that a senior minister and a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs) representative could have lent.

Amnesty International UK conference delegate Asad Rehman said:

'The conference is a historic opportunity to create a plan of action for the elimination of racism and it is disappointing that the UK has not shown a clearer commitment to that goal.

It is not enough for the countries of the world to proclaim that racism is unacceptable - they must also set out clearly how they intend to eliminate racism and that will require a high level of engagement and commitment from all nations at the conference.'

As part of the NGO Forum, which runs parallel to the official conference, Amnesty International UK has invited Doreen Lawrence to talk about her struggle for justice, the Lawrence enquiry and institutional racism.

Amnesty International will work with Asian and American NGOs to ensure a voice for grass roots and black-led NGOs at the main conference.