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I wish to thank the Secretary General for his reports on this agenda item.
We would also like to thank Mr. Githu Muigai, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance for his report and presentation in this Committee.
Mr. Chairman
Although the legal concept of equality and non-discrimination has been frequently reaffirmed at various levels, racism has persisted in many forms in several societies. This scourge continues to deepen vulnerability and marginalization of a large part of humanity. In recent times, it has manifested itself in politicization of immigration, rigid hierarchical social structures, unequal power and economic relations, religious intolerance and the situations of foreign occupation. These conditions offer validation and sustenance to systematic discrimination.
The Special Rapporteur has the mandate to comprehensively assess the issues concerning discrimination against Africans and people of African descent, Islamophobia, Christianophobia, anti-Semitism, minorities and migrants and submit recommendations to deal with these issues. In discharge of his mandate, he should also take into account violations of articles 19 and 20 of ICCPR and the General Comment No. 15 of the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
We have noted Mr. Muigai's determination to actively engage with Member States to share expertise and advocate anti-racism policies. His recommendations must be utilized by all states to improve and reform their legislative, administrative and legal structures. The international human rights machinery should also utilize Mr. Muigai's contribution as well as the work of his predecessors particularly the landmark reports of Mr. Doudou Dien to promote cooperation against racism.
Mr. Chairman,
Among contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, Islamophobia has emerged as a threat to enjoyment of the rights of millions of Muslims around the world.
Misperceptions about Muslims have been reinforced in the larger framework of international war against terrorism in many countries. As mentioned by Special Rapporteur Doudou Dien, an unfounded hostility and fear toward Islam and consequently aversion towards all Muslims has led to discrimination, prejudices and unequal treatment and exclusion from important political and social spheres. This situation is most visible in societies where Muslim communities are at politically disadvantaged positions, involved in territorial conflicts, identified with immigration problems or victims of historical prejudices and cultural stereotyping.
Unfortunately, freedom of expression is exercised selectively, restricting, it, and rightly so, in some cases, but justifying its unhindered application in regard to productions which defame Islam. In this regard, governments are restrained but other institutions enjoy freedom to publicize thinly veiled hate literature which reinforces popular misperceptions about Islam and Muslim.
Mr. Chairman,
Pakistan attaches great importance to the Durban Review Conference which will review the implementation of Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. The successful holding of two regional preparatory conferences by the Latin American and African regions and submission of inputs by the Asian Group and EU indicate strong interest of Member States in the process.
The outcome of the Review Conference must provide a comprehensive protection mechanism to all the victims including those who have suffered in the war on terror especially because of racio-religious profiling and its consequential incitement to racio-religious hatred. Additional complementary instruments to the International Covenant on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination could fill the existing gaps and reinforce the protection regime.
Under the agreed format and structure, the outcome document of the Review Conference, may, inter alia, focus on: a) international and regional cooperation and dialogue to put the fight against racism on the global agenda; b) availability of effective international legal and judicial mechanisms for provision of justice to the victims; c) effective implementation of national plans envisaging tougher laws and legal assistance to the victims of racial discrimination; d) investment in educational and awareness raising measures; and e) ways and means to optimal use of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD).
Our differences of opinion notwithstanding, we must be united in our common fight. All concerns should be squarely confronted and resolved to ensure a successful outcome of the review process.
Mr. Chairman,
The resilience of the problem of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance underlines the need for an active and collective international response. We must uphold the principles of dialogue and constructive engagement and must be guided by the concern of addressing the plight of victims of racism to achieve desired results.
I thank you Mr. Chairman.