High-level meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action

“Reparations, racial justice and equality for people of African descent”

(22 September 2021)

Remarks by Amb. T.S. Tirumurti,

Permanent Representative of India

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Mr. Co-Chair,

Excellencies,

Racism is antithesis to the spirit of humanity. It is a negation of the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Durban Declaration and Programme for Action (DDPA) provide a comprehensive framework and basis for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Today, as we commemorate the 20^th anniversary of the adoption of this important instrument, we realise that we have much ground to cover.

Colonialism was rooted in the notion of racial superiority. Millions suffered from racist exploitation; so did Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. To resist  colonialism and racial discrimination, he forged the weapon of Satyagraha, that is Truth and Non-Violence. With Truth and Non-Violence as weapon, he led India to freedom.

Our fight against colonialism also fashioned the thinking of our Constitution makers. Our nation rests on the principles of democracy, pluralism, equality and justice. The Indian Constitution enshrined safeguards against racism and racial discrimination.  These safeguards are further strengthened by our comprehensive legal framework with independent and impartial judiciary, a pluralistic polity, a vibrant civil society and free media.

In our times, we have seen how discrimination, racial or otherwise, is being used as an excuse to take up terrorism. State sponsored terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism lead to disharmony in societies and increase in discrimination against minorities.  We call on UN bodies to ensure that terrorism is not justified on any ground.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further aggravated these divisions and existing inequalities and reinforced racial discrimination.

In an interconnected world, new forms of media, especially social media, have emerged as a platform for amplifying racial hatred and discriminatory ideas.  We need to tackle infodemic with all our might to ensure social cohesion.

Mr. Co-chair

We firmly believe that the most definitive guarantee against racial prejudice, discrimination and xenophobia is nurturing of democracy and pluralism with the inculcation of values of tolerance, understanding and respect for diversity.

We reiterate our firm commitment to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and seek to adopt more effective measures to enhance its effective implementation.

I thank you.