in December 1989, expressed the international community's commitment in that connection. In December 1990, the United Nations would celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the adoption by the General Assembly of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The current year also marked 20 years of activities by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which had made a contribution of inestimable importance to United Nations efforts to eliminate racism and racial discrimination. He hoped that the Committee's serious financial situation would be solved constructively so that the Committee could carry out its mandate fully. The international community should continue to give the highest priority to programmes combating racism and racial discrimination, and to intensify its efforts to provide assistance and relief to the victims of racism and all forms of racial supremacy and prejudice and apartheid. The fundamental objectives of the Second Decade were: to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin; to eliminate prejudice and racial discrimination; and to abolish regimes and policies based on racism. With those objectives in view, the General Assembly had approved a broad programme of activities for the entire Decade, supplemented by detailed plans of action for the periods 1985-1989 and 1990-1993. It had mandated the Council to take charge, with the Secretary-General's help, of co-ordinating the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Second Decade and of evaluating the activities undertaken during the Decade. The activities foreseen were numerous and varied. The elimination of apartheid was one of the prime objectives of the Second Decade. The release of Mr. Nelson Mandela after 27 years of imprisonment had lit a beacon of hope for the future. The Special Committee against Apartheid had a mandate to lead the combat 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing international efforts to combat racism and racial discrimination, with a focus on the United Nations' Second Decade for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting a high-level international document or speech. The text mentions specific programs, committees, and activities, indicating a focus on international cooperation and policy.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Education