SPEAKERS IN THIRD COMMITTEE DISCUSS OLD, NEW FORMS OF RACISM, IMPLEMENTATION OF MEASURES TO END DISCRIMINATION

Fifty-eighth General Assembly

Third Committee

24^th Meeting (PM)

SPEAKERS IN THIRD COMMITTEE DISCUSS OLD, NEW FORMS OF RACISM,

IMPLEMENTATION OF MEASURES TO END DISCRIMINATION

Also Hears Introduction of Draft Resolutions on Advancement of Women

Racism and discrimination had its roots in a world history of conquests, slavery and colonialism marked by, violence, domination, and exploitation, Doudou Diene, Special Rapporteur on Contemporary forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and related Intolerance told the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural), as it began its consideration of racism, the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, and the right of peoples to self-determination. 

The international community must work together to transform a “de facto” conflict-ridden and unequal multiculturalism into a culture of pluralism, democracy and equality, he continued.  Concern was raised about recent intolerance, xenophobia and discrimination inherent in anti-terrorism policies, as well as the worrisome increase in racist acts and violence, particularly due to anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. 

The Special Rapporteur also noted the emergence within some intellectual circles and the media, of justifying and legitimizing new and old forms of discrimination through historic revisions.  He stressed that the international response to such developments required political will, as well as social and economic policies eradicating discrimination within the sectors of education, employment, housing and health.

The Director of the New York Office of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Bacre Waly Ndiaye, introduced reports of the Secretary-General prepared on items under consideration by the Committee.  He said the Office had requested information on implementation activities from States, the United Nations, and non-governmental organizations to facilitate the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.  The Office of the High Commissioner was the lead agency responsible for their integration into the mandates, programmes and projects of the United Nations.

In the ensuing dialogue, delegations raised issues regarding international cooperation mechanisms in the battle against racism and intolerance, with speakers asking how the international community could increase its effectiveness.  Several delegations expressed concern about the increased discrimination and intolerance experienced by Muslims and Arabs, as a direct result of the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001.  Concern was also raised about the incitement of racist hatred and propaganda on the Internet.  Speakers asked how the international community could fight such trends, whilst still respecting the freedom of expression. 

Delegations also touched on the two main concerns of the report of the Special Rapporteur -– the caste system, and discrimination within sports.  Concerning sports and racial discrimination, the Special Rapporteur stressed that sports associations, as well as governments, must do their part to combat racial discrimination.  In addition, it was high time that Member States address the caste system –- an issue affecting both developed and developing countries.

During the general discussion, delegations stressed the importance of implementing the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action to eliminate all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance.  Speaking on behalf of the European Union, the representative of Italy said the fight against racism was a multidimensional enterprise that called for a global approach.  It required action at all levels -– international, regional and national -– involving not only the adoption of legislative and administrative measures, but also the development of preventive strategies.  

Speaking on behalf of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), South Africa’s representative said that by adopting the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, the international community had demonstrated its firm determination to combat all the evils of racism.  Those documents presented a concrete foundation for the activities aimed at addressing racism.  He informed the Committee that some SADC countries had already adopted legislative, judicial and administrative measures to combat racism, in cooperation with non-governmental and civil society organizations. 

Also this afternoon, the Committee heard introductions of draft resolutions on the advancement of women.  Texts were introduced on violence against women migrant workers, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, and the improvement of the situation of women in rural areas by the representatives of Philippines, Iceland (on behalf of the Nordic countries) and Mongolia respectively.

Participating in the general discussion this afternoon were representatives of Morocco (speaking on behalf of the “Group of 77” developing countries and China), Brazil and Iran. 

The Committee will reconvene on Monday, 27 October, at 10 a.m. to continue its consideration of racism and the right of peoples to self-determination. 

Background

The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) today began its consideration of items related to the elimination of racism, racial discrimination and the right of peoples to self-determination.

Before the Committee is a note by the Secretary-General transmitting the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Durban Declaration (document A/58/324).  The report summarizes implementation actions taken by States, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations bodies, specialized agencies, regional organizations, non-governmental organizations and youth groups.  The report concludes that these actors are in various phases of implementing the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, and the significant number of responses indicating follow-up, should be viewed very positively.  The Office of the High Commissioner will continue its efforts to encourage States and others to implement the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action through its programme of activities, which is coordinated by the Office of the High Commissioner’s Anti-Discrimination Unit.

A report by the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance (document A/58/313) reviews the activities in which the Special Rapporteur participated in the context of the follow-up to the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, held in Durban, South Africa.  He also outlines his preliminary findings on inter-ethnic relations in Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago, which he visited during a regional mission in July 2003.  Regarding the contemporary manifestations of racism, the report states that the Internet continues to serve as a tool for dissemination of hate propaganda of racist organizations.

The Special Rapporteur urges Member States to take necessary legislative and judicial action, as well as educational measures, to ensure that the struggle against terrorism does not breed new forms of discrimination targeting specific populations, religions, cultures, or ethnic groups.  He also asks the General Assembly to address discrimination against immigrants and refugees, the issue of racism in sports, and the question of castes.

There is a note by the Secretary-General (document A/58/331) referring to four reports which cover different sections of the implementation of General Assembly resolution 57/195.  These reports are:  the report of the Secretary-General on the status of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination; the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the comprehensive implementation of, and follow-up to, the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action; the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Third Decade to combat Racism and Racial Discrimination; and the report of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

Also before the Committee is a report of the Special Rapporteur on the use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 57/196 of 18 December 2002 (document A/58/115).  The report recommends that the Assembly prohibit any activity that encourages the presence of mercenaries, and suggests that the Commission on Human Rights extend the mandate on mercenary activities.

The report examines the legal definition of mercenary and concludes that the definition of mercenary contained in article one of the 1989 International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries, is difficult to apply in practice, and that the definition must be modified if mercenary activities are to be prevented.  The alternative definition proposed by the Special Rapporteur is not limited to the mercenary as an individual agent, but includes mercenarism, as a concept related to the responsibility of the State and other organizations and individuals. The alternative definition also covers:  terrorism and international organized crime; other illicit acts, such as trafficking in persons, arms and drugs; actions to destabilize legitimate governments; and actions to forcibly control valuable natural resources.

The Committee will also consider a report of the Secretary-General on the right of peoples to self-determination (A/58/180), which states that on 22 May 2003, the Secretary-General addressed a note verbale to all Governments, drawing their attention to resolution 57/197 of the General Assembly, which requested the Commission on Human Rights to continue to give special attention to the violation of human rights, especially the right to self-determination, resulting from foreign military intervention, aggression or occupation.  To date, one reply has been received, and the present report contains a summary of that reply, as well as an account of the consideration of the issue during the last session on Commission on Human Rights.

Other documents to be considered by the Committee include a relevant chapter of the Economic and Social Council report (document A/58/3), a report (not yet available) of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (document A/58/18) and a note (not yet available) of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination and follow-up to the World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance.

Introduction of Draft Resolutions on Women

The Committee heard introductions of draft resolutions on issues related to the advancement of women. 

Introducing a draft resolution on violence against women migrant workers (A/C.3/58/L.18), the representative of the Philippines said the draft recognized the entry into force of the Convention for the Protection of the Human Rights of all Migrant Workers and their Families.  The draft focused on the situation of women migrant workers who were particularly vulnerable to violence and exploitation. 

The representative of Iceland, speaking on behalf of the Nordic Countries, introduced a draft resolution on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (A/C.3/58/L.20), and said the Convention aimed to eliminate all forms of violence.  The co-sponsors hoped that the international community would soon see the universal ratification of the Convention, as well as its Protocol.

Finally, the representative of Mongolia introduced a draft resolution on the improvement of the situation of women in rural areas (A/C.3/58/L.21) saying that gender equality in rural areas was a goal in itself and that it was necessary for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. 

Introduction of Reports on Racism, Self-determination

BACRE WALY NDIAYE, Director of the New York Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), introduced reports of the Secretary-General prepared under the item on the elimination of racism and racial discrimination and on the implementation of, and follow-up to, the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.  He also introduced reports under the item on the rights of people to self-determination.

He said the principal focus of OHCHR in requesting information on implementation activities from States, United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, regional organizations and NGOs was to facilitate the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action by the various stakeholders.  He noted that OHCHR was the lead agency responsible for integrating the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action into the mandates, programmes and projects of the United Nations.

In 2003, the agency had organized a number of workshops devoted to combating racism, including a seminar undertaken in cooperation with the Belgium Government to be held in Brussels in December 2003.  OHCHR had also recently published a booklet on the negative impact of mercenary activities on the right of peoples to self-determination.

DOUDOU DIENE, Special Rapporteur on Contemporary forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and related Intolerance, said his report focused on his observations from country visits to Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.  Recent visits to Canada and Colombia were not included in the report.  It was important to recognize that racism and discrimination had its roots in a world history of conquests, slavery and colonization, marked by violence, domination, exploitation and discrimination.

It was, therefore, necessary to work together to transform a de facto conflict-ridden and unequal multiculturalism, into a culture of pluralism, democracy and equality.  The countries visited had approached these themes in different ways, he said.  The central focus of his report was the relationship between the fight against racism and discrimination and the long-term creation of a real multiculturalism.

Drawing the Committee’s attention to racism and discrimination in sports, he said sports aimed to promote respect and equality, and he had approached sports authorities on this topic.  A second concern was the caste system -– a type of discrimination resilient, in terms of prevalence and persistence.  He therefore proposed that countries involved give priority attention to this issue.

He highlighted recent developments of particular concern in the fight against racism, discrimination and xenophobia, which he said, included the intolerance, xenophobia and discrimination inherent within certain anti-terrorism policies and practices targeting entire communities, migrants and refugees.  Concern was also raised about the increase in racist and xenophobic acts, particularly the increase in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.

There was an emerging trend within intellectual circles and the media of justifying and legitimizing new and old discrimination through historic revisions, he said.  He also expressed concern about a dialectical insular mentality and rejection of others, which he said was witnessed in some religious circles.  The response to these developments required political and democratic will, as well as social and economic policies eradicating discrimination within education, employment, housing and health sectors.

Interactive Dialogue I

The representative of Italy, speaking on behalf of the European Union, asked the Special Rapporteur to give examples of additional mechanisms that were needed for more effective cooperation on eliminating racism and racial discrimination.

The representative of Egypt asked what criteria were used by the Special Rapporteur in choosing his field visits.  In addition, what difficulties, if any, was he facing regarding his examination of the situation of Muslims and Arabs after the events of 11 September?

The representative of Canada thanked the Special Rapporteur for his visit to Canada and expressed her Government’s appreciation for his cooperation on Canada’s efforts to eliminate racism.  She added that non-governmental organizations and Canada’s partners had a critical role to play in that effort.

The representative of Syria wanted to know what criteria were used in selecting information provided by non-governmental organizations, in their reports on the implementation of and follow-up to, the Durban Programme of Action.  Was it chosen according to geographical criteria, or based on the subject or topic at hand?  She noted that the report on combating racism was very important, especially in light of the racial discrimination currently experienced by Arabs and Muslims around the world, in the wake of the events of 11 September.  She asked if the report would be submitted to the General Assembly during its next session or only to the Human Rights Commission.  She hoped it would be submitted to both.

Regarding field visits, Mr. Diene said there were significant problems in obtaining invitations for visits from States and in being granted the freedom to move around freely to gain access to relevant communities.

Regarding the report to be presented to the Commission on Human rights on the situation of Arab and Muslim communities after 11 September, he said the report would be submitted to the Commission in March 2004 and the General Assembly would be informed of that.

The report pertained to one of the most sensitive issues now at hand, he noted, namely; issues regarding the link between the struggle against terrorism and the risk of that struggle, creating new types of discrimination against certain communities, religions and cultures.  It was of concern that Arab and Muslim communities had been especially hard hit because of the events of 11 September.  He appealed to all Member States to cooperate with the efforts of his office to provide an objective report and to provide accurate information on Muslim and Arab communities.  Information from non-governmental organization s was also critical in that regard.

He said the post-11 September situation of Arab and Muslim populations illustrated the risks presented by the fight against terrorism.  The lack of respect for the human rights of those populations could lead to a clash of cultures and religions.  Hostile acts that victimized Arab and Muslim communities because of 11 September could lead to animosity targeted at those populations. Furthermore, it was of concern that after 11 September there had been attempts by intellectuals of various countries, including author Oriana Fallaci of Italy, to try to legitimize and justify the ostracizing of Arab and Muslim communities in their countries.  It was also troubling that statements of Governments were not always in keeping with policies and actions taken by them.  There was a contradiction among many political leaders in terms of official condemnations of discrimination and their discriminatory practices against certain communities.  He called on States to deal with the challenge of addressing such contradictions.

He said no single mechanism could achieve the elimination of racism and racial discrimination.  What was needed was the coordination of all relevant mechanisms.

Mr. NDIAYE, responding to the question on what criteria were used in assessing information provided by non-governmental organizations for the report on the implementation of the Durban Programme of Action, said, his office was working closely with non-governmental organizations to see what progress was being made in fighting racism and racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.  He stressed that his office did not exclude anybody and that it allowed for the broadest participation of non-governmental organizations in addressing all forms of discrimination.

Interactive dialogue II

A representative of Sudan asked about refugees and immigrants, and whether there was any cooperation between the Special Rapporteur with United Nations agencies on these issues.  Concerning the gathering of information from non-governmental organizations, she suggested the Special Rapporteur also listen to Arab and Muslim non-governmental organizations. 

Did the Special Rapporteur have any concrete recommendations for combating racist propaganda on the Internet?, asked a representative of Cuba.  The Special Rapporteur was also asked to elaborate on the issue of racism and discrimination in sports.

A representative of Côte d’Ivoire said his country looked forward to the upcoming visit by the Special Rapporteur. 

The Government of Guyana had been most impressed by the Special Rapporteur’s objective approach during his visit, said a representative of that country, as he expressed the hope that he would continue his important work. 

Responding, Mr. DIENE said it was clear that non-nationals and refugees were particularly vulnerable groups in today’s society.  He said that great vigilance by the international community was needed in this regard, as well as the development of additional measures to defend and protect these groups.  Various mechanisms working separately in the field of human rights must coordinate their efforts on non-nationals and refugees.  Concerning his intention to write a report on discrimination against Muslims and Arabs, he said he was beginning to receive information from non-governmental organizations and regional organizations. 

Answering the question about racist propaganda on the Internet, he said it was a complex issue.  It was essential to respect the freedom of expression and information, and at the same time, ensure and enforce international values against racism.  On the topic of sports, he said that sports associations must combat racial discrimination.  Several sport entities had begun to do so, but others had done nothing.  In the final analysis, it was up to States, in compliance with international agreements, to ensure that sports did not become a field of discrimination.  Racial discrimination in sports was partly due to the inherent nationalist passion and sentiments involved in the competition. 

Concerning visits by Special Rapporteurs, he stressed that they must be provided security and access to all communities.  He would write an objective and balanced report. 

Mr. NDIAYE thanked all delegations that had spoken and expressed their interest.  Concerning the cooperation between United Nations agencies and Special Rapporteurs, he said that without cooperation, no missions could have been completed.  During the Durban process, colleagues from the United Nations had not only been present, but actively involved. 

Interactive Dialogue III

The representative of Benin asked the Special Rapporteur to discuss how the caste system related to discrimination.

The representative of Pakistan sought the Special Rapporteur’s views on the increased manifestation of racism and intolerance in politics, wherein right-wing leaders had undertaken policies of intolerance against minorities and immigrants.  It was also of great concern that the rise in hate mongering and hate ideas promoted by intellectuals and leaders went unpunished, under the guise of the protection of the freedom of speech.  There was a need to strike a delicate balance between the freedom of expression and how that freedom was being used.  Furthermore, the use of cyberspace in disseminating hate material was deeply troubling.  How should the Committee address that?  Should that be allowed to continue even when some ideas translated into violent actions that violated human rights? 

The representative of Israel noting that anti-Semitism was on the rise in various regions, asked the Special Rapporteur to elaborate on how his office dealt with that phenomenon.

The representative of Iran said he was deeply concerned about the conflict between the value placed on freedom of expression as a universally recognized basic human right and the rights of citizens not to be discriminated against.  Could the Special Rapporteur develop some guidelines for governments on how to observe freedom of expression, while still implementing measures to fight racism and racial discrimination?  Such guidelines could help resolve that conflict of values.

Mr. DIENE, responding, said the question of caste and discrimination was a huge iceberg.  Discrimination based on caste was an especially onerous type of discrimination that affected not only individuals, but entire communities.  It existed in many countries in Asia and Africa, was very resilient and took on various forms, and was very firmly entrenched in people’s minds.  The issue had not yet been dealt with directly because it was one that could not be addressed effectively through resolutions, but through education.  What made the issue so dangerous was that it was often veiled.  It was high time that the issue of caste be addressed.  He would willingly tackle the issue, but would need the support of the Committee and the Assembly to do that. 

Regarding the new atmosphere of discrimination legitimized by intellectuals and political leaders, the Special Rapporteur said his report would attempt to determine whether the political statements by governments were supported by legislative and judicial acts.  There were some political leaders, he stated, who, on a daily basis, deviated from what they said in their actions.  The Commission on Human Rights had asked him to prepare a report on race and democracy and how race was used in the political propaganda of States. 

Regarding the use of the Internet to spread hate propaganda, he intended to work on developing consistent strategies to confront that issue.  The spread of racism through the Internet had a very powerful, destructive impact, and it was critical to deal with that on national, regional and international levels. 

Addressing Israel’s concerns, he said anti-Semitism was an urgent issue and one that must be comprehensively dealt with, as objectively as possible.  It was a very profound form of discrimination, and it was urgent that it be debated in depth.  He was making sure he talked with Jewish communities and was studying initiatives being undertaken in Europe and other places to combat anti-Semitism.  He urged all States to provide the most accurate, objective information as possible to assist his efforts and give credibility to his report.

The representative of Syria was concerned that, in the report on the implementation and follow-up to the Durban Programme of Action, there was no mention of the relationship among non-governmental organizations vis-à-vis the problem of Islamophobia. 

Responding to the representative of Syria, Mr. DIENE said it was not a question of closing the door to victims of human rights violations.  Just because Islamophobia had not been specified in certain paragraphs of the report, it did not mean that it was not included in the general consideration of racism and racial discrimination.

OMAR KADIRI (Morocco), speaking on behalf of the “Group of 77” developing countries and China, said all manifestations of racism and racial discrimination contradicted all the principles and purposes of the Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  Therefore renewed political will, adequate funding and sustained international cooperation were indispensable for the effective implementation of the commitments agreed upon in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

He said political will should be translated into concrete actions at all levels, and with the participation of all relevant stakeholders, in order to combat racism and racial discrimination, including their new and contemporary forms.  The role of national human rights institutions and civil society in that regard could not be overemphasized.  In addition, the role of the Working Group of Experts on People of African descent was essential to the implementation of the Durban outcomes.

He was deeply concerned about the increase of the use of new information and communications technologies, especially the Internet, as a means to disseminate hateful and racist slogans and propaganda to incite racial hatred and xenophobic sentiments.  States must take necessary measures and legal sanctions to fight these actions.

ALDO MANTOVANI (Italy), speaking on behalf of the European Union, said the fight against racism was a multi-dimensional enterprise that called for a global approach.  It required action at all levels -– international, regional and national.  It involved not only the adoption of legislative and administrative measures, but also the development of preventive strategies, taking into account the deep and multifaceted root causes of racism.  The Union was deeply committed to implementing the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, but believed that consensus must be the basis for all follow-up activities. 

He expressed his appreciation for the contribution of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to the global fight against racism and the promotion of equality and non-discrimination.  The Union would continue to fully cooperate with the Anti-Discrimination Unit.  Racism was incompatible with the principles, on which the Union was founded, and which were common to its members -– freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.  He reiterated the great importance attached to promoting inter-cultural dialogue by the Union.  Measures taken to combat terrorism must comply with international law, in particular international human rights, and refugee and humanitarian law, he added.

He also reaffirmed the Union’s support for the call of the Durban Conference to take concrete action against anti-Semitism and Islamophobia and, therefore, regretted that the text on anti-Semitism had been dropped from the resolution of the Commission on Human Rights on the follow-up to the World Conference against Racism.  He raised concern about the misuse of new communications technologies, including the Internet, and stressed that States must take all necessary measures to combat manifestations of racism expressed through modern information technology.  He also stressed the importance of protecting ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples from racism. 

Concerning the right to self-determination, he said there was a clear link between the respect for the principle of self-determination and the strengthening of international peace.  Respect for that principle was closely associated with respect for other human rights, democracy and the rule of law, including the principle of equality between citizens.  The right of peoples to self-determination was included in States’ obligations in the field of human rights.  It was important for people to be able to determine the framework of their lives in the present international community. 

HENRIQUE VALLE (Brazil) said recent national developments in his country reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to combating racism.  In May, his Government established the Office of the Special Secretary for the Promotion of Racial Equality, whose responsibility was to coordinate the Government’s anti-racism activities.  The nomination of Brazil’s first Supreme Court Judge of African descent was another notable development.  Brazil’s affirmative action agenda had led to the adoption of special programmes in several universities, including the creation of a scholarship programme for students of African descent.

He said his delegation was working on the presentation of a resolution on the “Incompatibility between Democracy and Racism”.  Central to the document was the idea that free and fair elections were not enough to define a system as democratic.  The proposition of racist platforms by political parties was among the ways in which the electoral process was being used to undermine democracy.  The resolution would be presented in light of his Government’s support for mechanisms and practices that would restrict such exploitation of democratic ideals.

DUMISANI SHADRACK KUMALO (South Africa), speaking on behalf of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), said that by adopting the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, the international community had demonstrated its firm determination to combat all the evils of racism.  The SADC attached great importance to both the Declaration and Programme of Action, which presented a concrete foundation for the activities aimed at addressing racism.  Some SADC countries had adopted legislative, judicial and administrative measures that were consistent with the Durban outcome documents.  Consultations with non-governmental and civil society organizations were an important means of achieving cooperation, reciprocity and accountability, with a view to establishing a common understanding to the national implementation of Durban’s outcomes.

He said the progressive acknowledgement by the international community of the need to implement the Programme of Action, enhanced the momentum to combat new forms and manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.  He welcomed all the mechanisms that had been created to ensure proper follow-up to an implementation of all the commitments elaborated in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, including the intergovernmental Working Group on effective implementation, the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent, and the Eminent Persons’ Group to follow-up to the World Conference against Racism.

The Secretary-General’s report contained information that the community regarded as useful in assessing the extent of the scourge the international community was faced with, he said.  It was of great concern that the Special Rapporteur had identified an increase in racist and xenophobic acts, as well as remarks at sporting events.  The role of the media in highlighting those unfortunate events was appreciated.  Some countries had taken positive actions to address those issues through public campaigns.  He hoped that this year’s resolution, which was sponsored by the “Group of 77” and China, would be adopted by consensus.

GHOLAM HOSSEIN SEYED SALEHI (Iran) said that while classical forms of racism and racial discrimination were rooted in colonialism and poverty, the root causes of new forms of racism and racial discrimination were negative aspects of globalization, new technologies and racial and political doctrines.  It was necessary to pay attention to such root causes in the adoption of policies and practices to eradicate racism and racial discrimination.

He said his Government believed promoting cooperation and dialogue for further understanding of different cultures and civilizations and propagating a culture of peace and tolerance, would lead to the eradication of discrimination and xenophobia.  Iran actively participated in the Durban Conference, and as the host for its Asian preparatory meeting, it would continue to play an active role in combating racism and racial discrimination at national, regional and international levels.

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