Abu Dhabi:United Nations UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres has called for intensified efforts to combat racism and discrimination globally, emphasizing the shared responsibility of eliminating racial discrimination and promoting dignity, human rights, and equality.
According to Emirates News Agency, Guterres made these remarks during the High-level Meeting commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. He highlighted the increasing urgency of the fight against racism, which he believes is even more critical now than it was when the Declaration was first adopted.
Guterres pointed out that racism continues to exacerbate inequalities and infringe on fundamental rights and freedoms. He also noted that digital tools can amplify hate speech, disinformation, harmful stereotypes, and violence.
He urged governments to bolster and enforce anti-discrimination and equality laws, dismantle systemic discrimination, and invest in inclusive and equal societies. Additionally, he called on businesses to maintain equality and non-discrimination and pressed technology companies to address biases in artificial intelligence systems.
Guterres advocated for reparatory justice to tackle the long-lasting effects of enslavement, colonialism, and racial discrimination. He also called for the universal ratification and complete implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
He underlined that the Second International Decade for People of African Descent should be a period of tangible change, stressing the need for ongoing efforts to uphold dignity, rights, and a sense of belonging for all individuals while building societies free from racism and discrimination.