‘Racism poison continues to infect our world, “Guterres warns of International Day

21. Mart means the adoption of the International Convention on the Removal of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and Field of the 1960s Massacrams of Sharpeville, when South African police opened fire to a peaceful protest against apartheid, killing 69 people.

Toxic legacy

Despite the decades of progress, racism remains a threat, UN Secretary General António Guterres warned ua message Marking occasion.

“The poison of racism continues to infect our world – toxic inheritance of historical enslavement, colonialism and discrimination. Corrupt communities, block opportunities and ruins lives, eroding only the foundations of dignity, equality and justice, “he said in the message to read his chef, Kurt, on a Commemoration of the General Assembly.

The International Convention described as “powerful, global commitment” to eradicate racial discrimination that calls for everyone to turn this vision into reality.

“I call on the Universal Ratification of the Convention on this International Day, and for the state to fully”, he continued his message, referring to business leaders, civil society and individuals to occupy the stand.

“This is our shared responsibility.“

Appropriate words with actions

President of the General Assembly of Philémon Yang also accentuated The need to translate the Convention – an international legal instrument – in action.

“As with all other legal instruments, ambition must be converted into implementation and action,” he said, referring to constant political will and global solidarity.

“Let us insure that dignity, equality and justice are not vague aspirations, but material realities …We all have to stand against racism and build a world in which equality is not only promised, but practicing – for everything, everywhere“” Mr. Yang said.

Meanwhile, Ilze brand Kehris, UN Assistant Secretary General for Human Rightswarned of growing xenophobia, hate speech and divisive rhetoric around the world.

“Racism continues to permeate our institutions, social structures and everyday life in all societies,” she said, warned that racial and ethnic groups remain targeted, isolated and pierced.

A moment to think

Also speaking in the Assembly, Sarah Lewis, the founder of Vision & Justice initiative, emphasized the importance Durban declaration and program of actionAs a draft for removal of racism and human rights protection

She said many societies were built on racial discrimination and warned that such practices undermine the future progress and harm.

“When will we give up a lie that there is a basis for the idea that someone is better than anyone else on the basis of race, color, national origin or ethnic origin,” Ambassadors asked.

Young as agents change

The repetitive topic during the commemoration was the key role of young people in shaping the solution.

The President of the General Assembly Yang emphasized the need to strengthen young people, not only to protect them from discrimination, but to enable them to become agents change.

“Their voices must form policies and solutions leading to justly and inclusive society“He stressed.

Department This, Ms. Brands Kehris pointed out the strength of education in disassembly racism.

“If we exercise racism, we teach racism“” She said, inviting everyone to correct injustices so that future generations can learn from the examples.

It also emphasous that the recognition of historical injustices are crucial to disassembly of systemic racism, and encouraging reconciliation, healing and equality.