Home Meetings & Statements Events & Activities China & UN Documents About China 中文
  Home > China & UN > Economic Affairs and Development > Sustainable Development
Statement by H.E. Ambassador Mr. Wang Min, Deputy Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, at the High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly to Commemorate the Tenth Anniversary of the Adoption of Durban Declaration and Programme of Action

2011-09-22 09:25
 

(22 September, 2011, ECOSOC Chamber)

Mr. Co-Chairs,

The Chinese delegation associates itself with the statement made by Indonesia on behalf of the Group of Asian and the Pacific Small Island Developing States.

At the outset, please allow me to congratulate you on your assumption of the chairmanship of this round table meeting. I am convinced that under your outstanding leadership and with the active support of all participants, this round table meeting will be fully successful.

The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action have set the direction for the international fight against racism and the Durban Review Conference has marked another milestone of our endeavor in this field. China supports the convening of this high-level meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and to adopt a political declaration. We believe that this is an opportunity for the international community to further build consensus and commit itself to the total elimination of all forms of racism.

Mr. Co-Chairs,

In the past, slave trade, colonialism, foreign aggression and apartheid have brought tremendous hardship and suffering to countries and peoples of Africa, Asia and Latin America and they constitute an important source of racism and racial discrimination in today’s world. However, some countries still do not want to face history squarely and refuse to admit to their historical responsibilities, resulting in a lack of fundamental improvement of the living conditions of African and Asian descendants. At present, with globalization ever deepening and economic crisis continuously festering, various new forms of racism have emerged. Incitement of racial and religious hatred happens time and again; xenophobia and discrimination against immigrants are getting worse; incidents of linking terrorism with specific religions and of vilifying and defaming specific religions occur incessantly; and new problems such as the financial crisis, food crisis, energy crisis, and climate change have posed new challenges to the international fight against racism. Eliminating racism remains a long-term and arduous task.

Mr. Co-Chairs,

As a huge threat to world peace, stability and development, racism is the common enemy of the whole mankind. The Chinese delegation wishes to make the following observations on the fight against racism:

First, China is firmly opposed to double standards in the fight against racism. Efforts to promote and protect human rights should be comprehensive and balanced and should not be skewed. Free from racial discrimination is one of the most fundamental and essential human rights and as such, it must not be neglected. All states should reject practices of politicization and make committed efforts to eliminate racism.

Secondly, the survival and growth of racism in whatever form should by no means be allowed for whatever reasons. The international community should carefully study and jointly combat new forms of racism. It should take effective measures to eliminate the source of racism and promote inter-faith and inter-culture dialogue and mutual respect.

Thirdly, China calls for the comprehensive implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. This document and the outcome document of the Durban Review Conference constitute the most comprehensive framework for the United Nations’ work in combating racism. Unfortunately, they have yet to be implemented comprehensively. This is a matter of serious concern to China. We call on all parties to effectively implement the above documents and relevant follow-up mechanisms.

Mr. Co-Chairs,

China is always committed to the fight against racism in all its forms and has taken an active part in the efforts of the international community to combat racism. My government has, since its ratification in 1981 the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, strictly implemented its various convention obligations and submitted 13 implementation reports so far. China is willing to work together with the international community to promote the sustainable development of all races and contribute to the building of a harmonious world.

Thank you, Mr. Co-Chairs.

Suggest to a friend
  Print