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High Commissioner’s Message on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has released a message on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The message highlights the need for greater efforts in tackling racism and discrimination against refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons who face numerous challenges while seeking protection, safety and dignity.
The Urgent Need to Combat Racism and Discrimination
The message stresses the need for the international community to take concrete steps towards combating racism and discrimination, particularly among refugees and asylum seekers. The High Commissioner highlights the need for countries to take proactive measures to address the root causes of these problems, including in areas such as education, employment, housing, and access to health care.
It is imperative that states work towards creating inclusive societies that provide equal opportunities and protect the rights of all individuals irrespective of their race, ethnicity or nationality. Such measures are necessary to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers are accorded the respect and dignity they deserve, and that they are not subject to maltreatment, exploitation, or exclusion.
The Role of the UNHCR in Combating Racism and Discrimination
The UNHCR is committed to working with the international community to tackle issues relating to racism and discrimination. It provides support and assistance to refugees and asylum seekers, including legal aid, education, health care, livelihoods, and protection services. It also engages in advocacy efforts to promote the rights of refugees and to combat racism and discrimination.
However, more needs to be done, and the message stresses the need for enhanced partnerships and collaboration among UN agencies, governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to combat racism and discrimination more effectively.
The Way Forward
The message ends by encouraging all stakeholders to work together towards creating a more equitable, just, and inclusive world for all. The High Commissioner emphasizes the importance of providing refugees and asylum seekers with the support and assistance they need and calls on countries to uphold their obligations under international law.
Looking ahead, the UNHCR will continue to work closely with governments and other partners to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers are protected from racism and discrimination, and that their rights and dignity are upheld.
