António Guterres, United Nations secretary-general, says the
global peace body suffers internal issues of racial discrimination.
Guterres disclosed this at the launch of “Awareness and
Action”, a campaign initiated by the UN to address racism.
Part of the charter of the UN is to “reaffirm faith in
fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the
equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and to practice
tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours”.
Guterres, however, said, the UN must first combat racism within itself.
“Racism challenges every government, every society, and
every organisation including our own,” Guterres said.
“It’s true that we have clear rules in place that prohibit
and protect staff from all forms of discrimination, including racism.
“But, let’s be honest:
sometimes we have been slow to acknowledge the existence of racism
inside the United Nations. We must
examine our efforts and ask ourselves if we are doing enough to combat racism
and racial discrimination inside our Organisation.
“Let me be very clear:
racism has no place in the United Nations. Our Organization was founded on the
principles of the dignity and worth of the human person, without distinctions
of race, colour, ethnic or national origin.
We support Member States in developing legal tools and building capacity
to address racism in all its forms.
“Addressing racism is not a simple, one-time action. Racism is a complex cultural phenomenon;
combating it demands action every day, at every level. Addressing racism requires cultural and
structural changes. It calls on us, all
of us to examine long-held assumptions, and to question our unconscious
biases.”
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