UN Secretary-General calls for concerted efforts to combat racism and eliminate discrimination

New York, September 28 (KUNA) -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Monday for enhanced collective action and concrete measures to combat racism and eradicate discrimination in all its forms, warning that racism continues to “poison societies” and deprive people of their fundamental rights and freedoms. His remarks came during a high-level event at UN Headquarters marking the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, which serves as a global roadmap for combating racism, discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance.

Guterres said that racism is “deeply rooted in the entrenched legacy of colonialism, enslavement, and oppression,” takes multiple forms within and between countries, and is exacerbated by hate speech and misinformation fueled by digital technologies and tools. He stressed the need for governments to strengthen institutions and effectively implement laws aimed at combating discrimination, and to invest in inclusive and equitable societies, while noting that responsibility does not rest solely with governments, as “everyone has a role to play.”

Guterres urged technology companies to identify, address, and mitigate biases in artificial intelligence systems, and to ensure that digital technologies contribute to promoting equality, inclusion, and digital justice rather than undermining them. He emphasized the necessity of confronting the ongoing consequences of slavery, colonialism, and racial discrimination through concrete measures to achieve restorative justice grounded in international human rights law.

The UN Secretary-General concluded his address by calling for collective action to uphold the dignity and rights of all people, reject injustice, and build societies “where there is no place for racism and discrimination.” (End) A.S.T. / M.M.J.