Asia-Pacific Nations vow to Combat Racism at UN Meeting

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Nations from Asia and the Pacific, led by Ambassador Jamal Fares Al-Ruwaie of Bahrain, has affirmed their unwavering commitment to fighting racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related forms of intolerance.

This came during a recent United Nations General Assembly gathering to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Ambassador Al-Ruwaie, serving as Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Group of States for the month of March, emphasized the urgent need for global action to eradicate racial discrimination in all its manifestations.

He highlighted the historical injustices faced by people of African descent and stressed the importance of treating them with fairness and dignity, devoid of discrimination.

Citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a guiding principle, the Ambassador underscored the imperative of recognizing that all individuals are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

Despite ongoing efforts to combat racism, instances of discrimination persist, necessitating condemnation and decisive action at every level.

Expressing concern over the rise of hate speech globally, Al-Ruwaie called for its addressal in accordance with international law.

He emphasised the promotion of values such as tolerance, inclusiveness, and mutual respect as essential components of building harmonious societies.

Furthermore, the Ambassador emphasised the vital importance of fully implementing the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

He renewed the call to the international community to mobilise concerted efforts at the national, regional, and global levels to combat all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance through cooperation, partnership, and inclusivity