Delivered by: Ilze Brands Kehris, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, on behalf of the UN Secretary-General
"Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues,
History has shown us, time and again, how racism, discrimination and intolerance rot the very foundations of our societies – attacking the core of a person’s dignity; stripping people of opportunity, agency and rights; and weakening the bonds that connect us.
People of African descent have lived this history. For centuries, they have grappled with the painful legacies of enslavement, colonialism and other systems of oppression.
Today, systemic racism and racial discrimination continue to permeate their lives and suffocate their communities.
The damage can last for generations, and it will continue to grow and fester until we stop it, collectively, decisively and definitively.
The road to a world free from racism requires persistence and dedication. Today’s High-Level meeting is a vital step on that journey as a call to faster action, greater collaboration, and deeper determination.
Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues,
The question, then, is how.
As a starting point, we must learn the lessons and build on the successes of the International Decade for People of African Descent that is coming to an end."
Read more on the original article : https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements-and-speeches/2024/11/racism-discrimination-and-intolerance-rot-very-foundations-our?sub-site=HRC
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