UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for unity and tangible action from member states to tackle racism. Speaking at the opening of a high-level meeting to mark the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, Guterres emphasized the importance of building a more peaceful, just, and equal world. He stated that the United Nations is guided by a simple yet profound purpose of helping to uphold the dignity and rights of every person.
Guterres highlighted that member states have made a solemn pledge to combat racism, eradicate discrimination in all its forms, and advance the dignity, human rights, and equality of all those affected by racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. He noted that the antidote to these issues is unity and tangible action. Governments must strengthen and effectively implement anti-discrimination and equality laws and the institutions that enforce them.
The UN Secretary-General emphasized that governments must also spare no effort to dismantle systemic discrimination and invest in inclusive and equal societies. He stated that while governments must take the lead, everyone has a role to play. Businesses must respect the right to equality and non-discrimination by preventing direct and indirect discrimination and creating workplaces where all people can contribute their talents and ideas.
Guterres also addressed the role of technology companies in advancing equality, inclusion, and digital justice. He noted that they must identify, mitigate, and address bias in artificial intelligence systems and ensure that digital technologies advance equality, inclusion, and digital justice, rather than undermine them. The Secretary-General emphasized that racism is even more rampant than 25 years ago when the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action was adopted.
The world must confront the enduring consequences of slavery, colonialism, and racial discrimination through concrete measures to deliver reparatory justice grounded in international human rights law. Guterres emphasized the need to see the universal ratification and full implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. He called on member states to take a stand against injustice and build societies where racism and discrimination have no place.
Guterres urged everyone to take a stand against racism and discrimination. He emphasized that together, people can fight for the dignity, rights, and belonging of all people and reject injustice. The Secretary-General's call to action emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility in tackling racism and promoting equality.
The high-level meeting to mark the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action highlights the ongoing efforts to combat racism and promote equality. Guterres' address serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and tangible action in achieving a more peaceful, just, and equal world.
Key points
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls for unity and tangible action from member states to tackle racism.
- The antidote to racism is unity and tangible action, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility.
- The world must confront the enduring consequences of slavery, colonialism, and racial discrimination through concrete measures to deliver reparatory justice.
