77^th UN General Assembly

Third Committee

Agenda Items: 66 - Elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and 67 - Right of peoples to self-determination

India Statement

My delegation aligns with the statement made on behalf of G77 under agenda item 66.

Mr. Chair

Racism is the antithesis to the  spirit of humanity.

As a country that was subjected to colonial rule for nearly two centuries, India is aware of the detrimental impact of racism and racial discrimination on society.

The scourge of slavery affected millions of Indians who were driven out from the motherland by the colonial powers to far off shores as indentured labour, which Mahatma Gandhi called 'a remnant of slavery'.

The fight against racism and racial discrimination and decolonization have hence been the corner-stones of India’s foreign policy since independence.

In 1946, India was the first country to raise its voice against apartheid at the United Nations. We have always regarded racism and racial discrimination as the antithesis of everything humanity stands for - equality, justice, peace and progress. It is a negation of the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In our own national context, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and guided by the legacy of Dr. Ambedkar and other social reformers, the Government is committed to combating and eliminating all forms of discrimination in all its manifestations.

The Indian Constitution enshrines safeguards against racism and racial discrimination. These safeguards are further strengthened by our comprehensive legal framework with an independent and impartial judiciary, a pluralistic polity, a vibrant civil society and free media.

Mr. Chair

Looking ahead to the future, education is undoubtedly our strongest weapon to fight racism.

In today’s digital age, we need to focus on harnessing the power of ICTs to foster the values of global citizenship. Online education in civics and history are potent tools that remain underutilized. We can maximize digital dividends by promoting civic education through digital platforms for combating the resurgent trends of racism and racial discrimination.

In an interconnected world, social media has emerged as a platform for amplifying racial hatred and discriminatory ideas. This trend, if unchecked, can pose a challenge to social cohesion.

The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted in 2001, continues to provide a comprehensive framework for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Implementation of this Declaration is also important for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Member States must intensify efforts to prevent and combat racial hatred and discrimination, taking into consideration the balance between safeguarding the freedom of speech and expression. Partnerships with the private sector and civil society are extremely important to fight racism. .

Our nation rests on the firm foundations of democracy, pluralism, equality and justice. These principles are the most definitive guarantee against racial prejudice, discrimination and xenophobia.

Mr. Chair

Self-determination has long been recognized as the right of peoples of non-self-governing colonies and trust territories to independence and self-government. This would allow people to freely choose and establish their governance structures.

India has played a leading role in the historic struggle for decolonization, and was at the forefront of the movement to secure the right of peoples to self-determination to enable them to determine their own political status and pursue their economic, social and cultural development.

India was the co-sponsor of the landmark 1960 Declaration on Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples which was adopted by the General Assembly. In 1962 India was elected as the first Chair of the Decolonization Committee that was established to monitor the implementation of 1960 Declaration and make recommendations on its application.

We note the considerable progress achieved so far in implementing this agenda, although situations continue to be unresolved.

There are still 17 Non-self Governing Territories which are in various stages of decolonization. We must step up efforts to reach the conclusion of this long-drawn process.

To conclude, India will continue to play its role in our collective fight against racism and racial discrimination, anywhere and everywhere.

Thank you.