JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
What you need to know
- The new declaration will be submitted for formal adoption to the General Assembly
- Adopted in South Africa in 2001, Durban Declaration and Program of Action is a blueprint for eradicating racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
- From an increase in racist speech, to calls for reparations for colonialism and slavery, delegates praised the progress made so far – but also highlighted the work that must be done in the future.
- Follow our live coverage of high-level meetings throughout the day Here
During the meeting, Ms. Dias, founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks, urged countries to confront the enduring legacy of slavery, colonialism and discrimination, emphasizing that many young people have never been taught about the history that shaped the institutions and societies they inherit.
Recalling that she launched #1000BlackGirlBooks when she was 11 years old – because she couldn’t find girls like herself in books at school – she underscores the power of representation and education.
Further, Youth must be the center of attention for full implementation of the Durban Declaration, he said, including through accurate and accessible digital educational materials.
“Let’s write a new chapter together,” he said.
The famous blueprint
The adoption of the Durban Declaration in 2001 followed widespread and serious concern over racism that had been entrenched since the founding of the UN, from colonialism to 46 years of apartheid in South Africa.
The UN and the international community do too keep working towards dismantling systemic racism to uphold dignity, equality and justice for all.
Here are some important things:
- 1948: Declaration of Human Rights
- 1963: UN Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
- 1978: First World Conference to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination
New technological threats
During Monday’s full-day meeting, several delegates cited emerging challenges. Voicing deep concern over “the the alarming resurgence of all forms of racism”, the representative of Uruguay, speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, called on countries to combat racism, hate speech and religious intolerance, both online and offline.
Social media allows hateful messages to spread “at an alarming rate”in addition to information and disinformation that is increasingly amplified by artificial intelligence (AI), he said.
While new technologies “are of great benefit to sustainable development if used responsibly”, countries must work together to ensure that technological developments “contribute to a better world and do not perpetuate or exacerbate existing structural inequalities”.
Calls for reparations for slavery
Some delegates called for reparations for slavery and colonialism. Adam Tesfaye Abera, Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to its Program of Action, highlighting the urgent need for reparations for colonialism and the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine, said the Durban Declaration was a reminder that colonialism, genocide, apartheid and slavery had deep and lasting consequences and that “the injustices of history cannot be addressed through memory alone, they require justice and reparation”.
This declaration has great significance for the Palestinian people, Mansour said, recalling that 25 years ago they expressed concern over their suffering under foreign occupation and recognized their right to self-determination and an independent state.
Defeating the ‘poison’ of racism
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres calls for stronger laws, inclusive institutions and reparatory justice to combat racism – a “poison” rooted in slavery and colonialism that is still strong today.
The Secretary-General highlighted the discrimination faced by people of African descent as well as Indigenous Peoples, migrants, refugees and minority groups.
Around the world, “Racism continues to poison society, deepening inequality and denying basic human rights and freedomshe said.
The ‘antidote’ to toxic legacies
Guterres stressed that racism is “deeply rooted in the deep-rooted legacies of colonialism, slavery and oppression.” He said that racism takes many forms, from economic, social and political disparities, both within and between countries, to discriminatory laws, policies and institutions.
Additionally, digital tools and technologies “increase the spread of hate speech and disinformation, perpetuate lies and harmful stereotypes, and fuel violence and harassment,” he warned.
“That The antidote to these poisons is unity and real actionhe said.
Reject injustice, support change
In this case, the UN Secretary General called for concrete changes during this time Second International Decade for People of African Descentwhich starts in December 2024.
“And we need to see universal ratification and full implementation of the agreement International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discriminationhe added.
“Together, let us reject injustice,” he said. “Together, let’s build a society where racism and discrimination have no place – now and forever.”
