Geneva, 14 February 2023 (TDI): The 20th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA) along with the International Decade for People of African Descent and 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda provide an opportunity to place racial equality and equity at the center of the global and national agenda.
Forms and Impacts of Racism
Many forms of racism and racial discrimination impact the daily social life of people, that includes the ability to find a job, get an education, have equal access to healthcare housing, food, and water, or get fair treatment in a court of law.
No country could claim to be free of racism, racism is a global concern, and tackling it requires a universal effort.
The forms of racism include xenophobia, intolerance, and related discrimination that exists in all societies. These are contagious killers for society as a whole.
This affects all directly or indirectly, we are surrounded by societies that are characterized by discrimination, division, distrust, intolerance, and hate.
Racism is not only harmful to a particular individual but to the whole society, all societies are enduring it. It is deepening mistrust, casting suspicion on all sides, and tearing apart the social fabric.
Working Together
To erase racism and racial discrimination from society we need to work together for achieving the common good with conviction and determination.
All persons must be given equal rights and ensure halt brutality of elements that spread racism and xenophobia, zero impunity for perpetrators is a must.
It is time to implement the commitments of DDPA with spirit and essence and to set our priorities for future actions.
A way to move beyond the narratives of separatism, discrimination, division, and fear and hatred of others is to raise voices. Voices on the street, in school, at work, in public transport; in the voting booth, on social media, at home, and on the sports field.
For understanding, recognition, and acceptance educators and scholars must play an effective role. They should introduce the aspect of cultural diversity into the curriculum.
The fight against racism is a fight that everyone needs to pursue to eradicate racial discrimination from our societies. There is a need to build a world beyond racism.
Convention
A convention to eliminate racism and forms of racial discrimination was adopted in 1965. The Convention is now nearing universal ratification.
