Dignity and justice key to end evil of racial discrimination: Guterres
New York, US (PANA) - Racism is “an evil infecting countries and societies around the world”, the UN chief has said in his message marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, but it impacts communities differently.
The international day on Thursday highlights that theme, as well as the importance of recognition, justice and development opportunities for those of African descent, said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
He said the results of entrenched racism continue to be devasting: “opportunities stolen; dignity denied; rights violated; lives taken and lives destroyed.”
The African diaspora faces a unique history of systemic and institutionalised racism, and profound challenges, he continued.
“We must respond to that reality – learning from, and building on, the tireless advocacy of people of African descent. That includes governments advancing policies and other measures to eliminate racism against people of African descent.
He also singled out the recent controversy involving some artificial intelligence tools which have reportedly been unable to eliminate racist tropes and stereotypes from even highly advanced algorithms, calling on tech firms to “urgently” address racial bias in AI.
In a joint statement a group of independent UN Human Rights Council-appointed experts said the international day was a time to take stock of “persistent gaps” in the effort to protect hundreds of millions whose human rights continue to be violated due to racial discrimination.
“It is also an opportunity to recommit to our promise to fight all forms of racism everywhere.”
They noted that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance continue to be a cause of conflict worldwide.
“We are witnessing a dangerous regression in the fight against racism and racial discrimination in many spaces,” the experts said.
“Minorities, people of African descent, people of Asian descent, Indigenous Peoples, migrants, including asylum seekers and refugees, are particularly vulnerable as they often face discrimination in all aspects of their lives based on their racial, ethnic or national origin, skin colour or descent.”
States must implement international rights obligations, conventions, and declarations to which they are a party, they added. Special Rapporteurs and other rights experts are independent of the UN or any government, and receive no salary for their work.
-0- PANA MA 21March2024
