Remarks at a Third Committee Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia

Jason Mack
Counselor for Economic and Social Affairs
New York, New York
October 27, 2021

Remarks at a Third Committee Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, E. Tendayi Achiume

AS DELIVERED

Thank you, Madame Special Rapporteur, for your sobering assessment of the state of racism and racial discrimination globally. We still have much work to do and welcome your visit to the United States.

No one should be prevented from achieving their full potential because of the color of their skin, where they were born, the religion they practice, or any other such trait.

The United States enacted laws and amended its Constitution to address its most glaring forms of racial discrimination. Still, more must be done to reach America’s full promise of equality for all.

We recognize that a country that values the dignity of all its citizens equally is a more prosperous society. We also recognize the indispensable role of civil society as partners in this regard. As you noted in your recent report on actions taken to combat the glorification of Nazism, civil society can help raise awareness, support victims, and identify enduring, inclusive ways to counter racial discrimination, xenophobia, extremism, and related intolerance.

Addressing systemic racism globally is a moral imperative for all of us, so that every human being can live and thrive to the fullest extent possible.

Special Rapporteur Achiume: What actions and best practices have you seen that qualitatively increased racial equity and justice?

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