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23 March 2000
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Commission on Human Rights
56th session
23 March 2000
Afternoon
Commission on Human Rights Begins Debate on Racial Discrimination
The Secretary of State of the United States of America urged the Commission on Human Rights this afternoon to adopt resolutions critical of human-rights situations in China and Cuba and cited concern over situations in former Yugoslavia, Chechnya (Russian Federation), Sudan, Burma, Iraq and Iran.
Cuba, the Russian Federation, China and Iraq rejected the criticism in a spate of 'rights of reply' at the end of the meeting, defending their human-rights performances and -- in the case of Cuba and China -- charging that the United States should stop 'pointing fingers' at other countries and look at its own record which was blemished by serious difficulties with racial discrimination.
The Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, also said during her speech that no nation should feel threatened by the Commission, as its task was to support, through universal standards, the right of people everywhere to control their own destinies. She commended the body for approving last year a resolution affirming a universal 'right to democracy'.
Over the course of the afternoon the Commission began debate under its agenda item on 'racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination', hearing from a series of national delegations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Maurice Glele-Ahanhanzo, Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, introduced a report on the topic, citing concern about, among other things, the spreading of racist ideologies over the Internet; about the presence in a coalition Government in Austria of the Freedom Party; over recent attacks in El Ejido, Spain, against migrant workers, mainly from Morocco; and about the shooting death, with 41 bullets, of a black person in New York by four policemen.
Speaking at the meeting were representatives of Portugal (on behalf of the European Union), Bangladesh, Panama (on behalf of the Central American Group), Egypt, and Georgia, and of the following NGOs: Azerbaijan Women's Development Centre; Association for World Education; World Jewish Congress; International Confederation of Free Trade Unions; International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination; Earth-Justice Legal Defense Fund; International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism; and International Movement for Fraternal Union Among Races and Peoples.
The Commission will reconvene at 10 a.m. Friday, 24 March, to continue its discussion of racial discrimination.
Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination
Under this agenda item, the Commission has before it a report of the Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (E/CN.4/2000/16), which contains an account of racism and racial discrimination against the Roma in Eastern and Central Europe, including discrimination in employment, education, racial discrimination and racist violence, and reviews measures taken by the Governments of the Czech Republic, Romania and Hungary to remedy such problems.
There is a report of the International Labour Office (E/CN.4/2000/17) on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination, which highlights the ratification and application of ILO Convention No.111, one of the eight fundamental Conventions of ILO. The report notes the work of the ILO within the field of racial discrimination, with particular emphasis on migrants workers and indigenous and tribal peoples.
In addition there is a report of the Secretary-General submitted pursuant to Commission resolution 1999/78 (E/CN.4/2000/15) on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination, which reports on the implementation and coordination of the programme of action for the Third Decade to combat racism and racial discrimination. The report also emphasizes the importance of contemporary forms of racism, such as use of the Internet to spread racist ideas.
Statements
MADELEINE ALBRIGHT, Secretary of State of the United States of America, said her presence affirmed America's commitment to international standards of human rights and to the work of the Commission. The Commission was created as a practical instrument for investigating and calling attention to violations of human rights, and as a forum for international discussion, consensus-building and action, and it was the world's responsibility to carry this tradition forward. Every nation counted and there was always more to do.
Mrs. Albright said no nation should feel threatened by the Commission, as its task was to support, through universal standards, the right of people everywhere to control their own destinies. She commended the Commission for last year's approval of a resolution affirming the universal right to democracy. Democratically elected governments had increased from 30 to 120 around the globe -- a democratic tide had swept the world. The Commission was encouraged to move on in the same fashion by supporting a draft resolution on 'promotion and consolidation of democracy' fashioned by Romania. The Government of Poland was to be congratulated for sponsoring its Community of Democracies Initiative to be held in Warsaw.
Mrs. Albright termed Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic an example of those who violated the rights of their own citizens and frequently caused instability that crossed international borders. She urged the Commission to consider a resolution expressing concern about widespread denials of political, cultural, labour and religious freedoms in China. She also urged the Commission to support the draft resolution that the Czech Republic and Poland were to present regarding the ongoing failure of the Cuban Government to respect the fundamental rights of its people. President Castro's regime continued to suppress dissent, deny free speech, outlaw free assembly and harass human rights advocates and others who sought independence of action and thought, she said. The US Secretary of State condemned the indiscriminate use of force by Russia against civilians in Chechnya, although she recognized Russia's need to preserve its territorial integrity. A prompt and transparent investigation of all credible charges was recommended. Sudan, Burma, Iraq and Iran were also mentioned as violating human rights. Mrs. Albright encouraged the Commission to endorse the two optional protocols concerning child soldiers and child prostitution and pornography and to send them for adoption by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the General Assembly. The United States endorsed next year's World Conference on Racism, she said, and would participate in preparations for the event.
MAURICE GLELE-AHANHANZO, Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, presenting his report (E/CN.4/2000/16), said that racist forces were running rampage, as exemplified by three recent developments: in Austria the Freedom Party, which denied the most fundamental principles of human rights, won 27.22 per cent of the vote in the country's legislative elections. In El Ejido, Spain, attacks had been carried out against migrant workers, mainly from Morocco, and in New York a black person had been shot dead with 41 bullets by four New York policemen.
An extremely worrying phenomenon was the spread of racist ideologies via the internet. International cooperation was needed to limit this harmful activity, which no border seemed to be able to halt. Several initiatives in this regard had already been taken by Germany, Canada, France, the Netherlands and Sweden. Special concern was expressed over the situation of the Roma community, which constituted a vulnerable minority in most European countries. The French Government had implemented the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur by adopting important legislative measures against racism. However, a recent survey carried out by the French Consultative Commission on Human Rights and the Information Service of the Government revealed that only 29 per cent of French declared they were not racist at all.
In the context of the upcoming World Conference against Racism, it was important to recall that racism and racial discrimination remained widespread and could not be ignored. Aside from education and legal repression, countries should adopt economic and social measures in favour of persons who were marginalized as a result of discriminatory practices. Every country should adopt a national design to economically and socially integrate ethnic and national minorities, indigenous populations and migrants.
ALVARO MENDONCA E MOURA (Portugal), speaking on behalf of the European Union, said the right of equality before the law and the protection of all persons against discrimination was essential to the proper functioning of democratic societies. Diversity was a key element of the past, present and future of the European region. Defense of the essential principle of non-discrimination was consequently at the core of the European Union's understanding of human rights. It was the responsibility of States to ensure all human rights to all persons within their jurisdiction, and to guarantee that no one suffered from de facto or de jure discrimination. Awareness-raising, education and learning the lessons of the past were essential. The active participation of all members of the community, including minorities, indigenous people and migrants, was vital for human rights to flourish.
One of the prime purposes of the United Nations was to promote universal respect for human rights, without any distinction as to race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin. The EU's objective remained universal ratification or accession to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination. The EU believed next year's World Conference against Racism could be a strong mobilizing factor in the global struggle against racism and thanked the African Group for its contribution to the preparatory process. The EU noted that a conference on racism would be held as well in Strasbourg, in October. Cooperation with non-governmental organizations and civil society was pivotal for the success of such conferences. The European Union condemned all forms of racism and was taking major steps to ensure equal treatment in the important realms of employment, society, and working conditions.
IFTEKHAR AHMED CHOWDHURY (Bangladesh) said the dark chapter of institutionalized racism practiced under apartheid had faded into history. Sadly, however, a new chapter had replaced it with the emergence of xenophobia, ultra-nationalism, racially motivated policies and acts directed against ethnic minorities, foreigners, immigrants and refugees. In many societies, migrants had become special targets of racism and violence. Often host Governments applied restrictions on the entry of 'nationals of the south' while offering preferential entry to others from favoured countries of origin. This was clearly racist. Also disturbing was the use of subtle systems of exclusion of potential immigrants and refugees based on regional preferences.
Another disturbing trend was the use of new communication technologies such as the Internet for the spreading of racial hatred and racial discrimination. Regulatory measures needed to be taken to stop the misuse of communication technologies. Bangladesh strongly supported the upcoming World Conference against Racism, which would provide an occasion for charting future courses of action against racism.
ANEL ENRIQUE BELIZ G. (Panama), speaking on behalf of the Central American Group, welcomed the resolution against racism and expressed enthusiasm for the Third Decade against Racism. The Central American group intended participate actively. The General Assembly had declared the year 2000 to be the year of culture and peace.
Evident signs of racism, xenophobia and intolerance, particularly when applied to migrants where they had sought new opportunities, was a cause for concern. There had been recent outbreaks of racist violence in a series of the most-developed countries. The Central American Group appealed to the Commission to combat these expression of hatred, and recommended the allocation of funds for regional and world conferences on racism. It was suggested that the developed nations supply greater financial assistance to the World Conference to reconfirm their genuine support.
MOHAMED MOUNIR (Egypt) said the fight against racism, racial discrimination and other related fanaticism needed important coordinated efforts. The preparatory process for the forthcoming World Conference against Racism and Racial Discrimination should be diversified and intensified. Egypt was contributing to the preparation process through its participation in regional efforts. There was a negative tendency around the world in the way immigrants were treated. Racist attitudes towards religion should also be combated.
For its part, the Government of Egpyt was promoting policies to eliminate religious intolerance and was fighting any form of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and or related intolerance.
AMIRAN KAVADZE (Georgia) said one of the most outrageous manifestations of ethnic intolerance and ethnic antagonism was taking place in Abkhazia, Georgia, and was being committed by a criminal separatist regime. Although this autonomous republic within Georgia enjoyed full freedom and equality, separatists had been propagating anti-Georgian ideology and labeling the Georgian population in Abkhazia as 'occupants' and 'main enemies'. Backed by foreign powers, the separatists had been committing a crime against humanity, killing thousands and expelling almost 250,000 ethnic Georgians.
The Commission should change its selective attitude toward responding to such conflicts and pay appropriate attention to the hundreds of thousands of Georgians expelled from their homes; it should consider the situation resulting from the policy of ethnic cleansing being carried out in Abkhazia.
SEVINDJ BAGIROVA, of Azerbaijan Women and Development Centre, said nationalism, racism and xenophobia remained a global problem. Such problems occurred, among other places, in countries with developed economies and democratic traditions. The use of force and pressure for resolving conflicts had to give way to the use of reason, as the use of force, especially in this nuclear world, could lead to widespread fatalities. Conflicts could be prevented by guaranteeing human rights.
Consciousness was primarily formed by education. Nationalism, racism and xenophobia resulted from education that was not able to cultivate a sense of the unity of the human race. The establishment of an international institute of languages and cultures of the world, under the aegis of the UN, could further the idea of the common origin and shared value and interests of human beings and help eradicate racial discrimination, nationalism and xenophobia.
DAVID LITTMAN, of Association for World Education, said last year his organization had strongly opposed a draft resolution titled 'Defamation of Islam', maintaining that same position against what finally became a resolution titled 'Defamation of Religions'. It was felt that such a resolution would ultimately be used to condemn anyone for almost anything. The resolution noted at one point that Islam was frequently and wrongly associated with human-rights violations and terrorism, and it was worth noting now that Association for World Education had always distinguished between Islam and Islamism. It encouraged more representatives here to make the same distinction, loudly and clearly.
His organization also called on the Organization of Islamic Conference to revoke the fatwa against the author Salman Rushdie and called on the Commission to condemn crude defamations of Judaism that were still being propagated at some of the highest Syrian echelons, including an interview last summer in which a Syrian General, Mustapha Tlass, reaffirmed something he had written in 1991 in which he claimed Jews 'can. . . kill you and take your blood in order to make his Zionist bread', and an article by Jbara Al-Barghuthi titled 'Shylock of New York and the Industry of Death' and published in a Syrian State-controlled magazine. If this was not to be condemned under the resolution 'Defamation of Religions', what more was needed to qualify?
JESSE GUBERMAN, of World Jewish Congress, said that while citizens of every country should have the right to freely elect the Government of their choice, it was the right of those in other countries to determine with whom their own States would interact. The Government of Austria now included members of the ultra-conservative Freedom Party. That was a party whose former leader had praised Hitler's employment policies and had described the Waffen SS as deserving 'all the honour and respectof the army in public life'. The Government of Austria included a minister with close links to a magazine published by convicted holocaust denier.
The World Jewish Congress stood behind those in Austria who believed in tolerance and racial harmony, and behind those who decried xenophobia and discrimination. It also stood with all Governments and peoples everywhere who guarded with vigilance the principles set forth in the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
MARIE-THERESE BELLAMY, of the International Confederation of Free Unions, said labour securities for disabled persons were more fragile than those for others. Women also constituted a vulnerable group. Evidence showed that structural-adjustment programmes hurt women's rights, and delegations were encouraged to fully articulate agenda perspectives to combat gender inequality, ensure equal pay for equal work, and provide equal access to promotions.
It was shocking that Myanmar was slated to hold a preparatory meeting for the World Conference against Racism. Myanmar had continuously used forced labour and should be excluded from the International Labour Office. The Confederation also appealed to the Commission to take adequate measures to integrated disabled people into an increasingly competitive global marketplace. Fighting for equality was fighting for diversity, and the Confederation pointed out that all workers had the same right to dignity.
SHARFELDDIN, of the International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, said racism and racial discrimination had invariably had a negative impact on human society through history. Shifts in recent trends showed that racial discrimination was being remanifested through discrimination between nations and peoples on the basis of rich vs poor nations and developed vs developing countries. The developing world needed the means to develop and progress. This could be achieved only through education.
The leaders of the developed countries had to realize that their efforts in regards to the problem of underdevelopment and its consequences of racism and racial discrimination had to be strengthened. Fighting poverty and its many negative consequences was not only in the best interests of their own people but also was a debt they should pay back to developing nations.
NANCY ABUDU, of Earth Justice-Legal Defence Fund, said environmental racism was a pervasive and damaging form of racism that violated the human rights of people of colour. In the United States, the victims of environmental racism were African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders, who were more likely than whites to live in environmentally hazardous conditions. The residents of these communities suffered shorter life spans, higher mortality, poor health, poverty, diminished economic opportunities, substandard housing and an overall degraded quality of life. However, the United States Government had provided no effective remedies to the victims of these racist practices, nor had it taken effective action to stop such practices from occurring in the future.
The destructive effects of environmental racism were not exclusive to the United States. Another example was the double standard employed in extracting natural resources used by multinational corporations operating in developing countries -- severe envirionmental damage in the Niger Delta in Nigeria, for example, where the Ogoni and other peoples suffered as a result, or the U'wa people of northeast Colombia, the Amumgme of West Papua, Indonesia, the indigenous peoples of Burma, and various cases of the dumping of toxic wastes in developing countries.
ATSUKO TANAKA, of the International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR), said the Sinti and Roma were groups who suffered from perennial and persistent forms of discrimination. IMADR welcomed the progress made in including this issue in the European preparatory process for the World Conference against Racism. It was to be hoped that the European Conference and then the World Conference would pay due attention to the problems of Sinti and Roma and come up with recommendations and plans of action.
In Asia, one of the most persistent forms of racial discrimination was based on descent, including caste discrimination in South Asia and discrimination against Burakumin in Japan, which dated from the caste-like stratification of all Japanese nationals in feudal times. With those problems in focus, IMADR was encouraged by the conclusions adopted at the Eighth Workshop on Regional Cooperation for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Asia-Pacific Region, in which much work was done in support of combatting various forms of racism.
BERHANE RAS WOKK, of the International Movement for Fraternal Union Among Races and Peoples, said the organization welcomed the decision to hold a World Conference and thought the action-oriented quality of the Conference would give hope to victims of exclusion. Collaboration and mobilization by Governments, organizations, and individuals would make the meeting successful.
As a contribution to the World Conference, the International Movement would hold a training session from April 10-19 -- during the current session of the Commission -- aimed at training human-rights activities on 'eruptions of racism and ethnicity', the intent being to teach them to analyze and detect racism, ethnicism and xenophobia and to fight them before they became causes for tragedy. Participants would come from countries which had experienced conflict or genocide: Korea, Lebanon, Brazil, South Africa, Burundi, Rwanda, and Congo.
Rights of reply
A representative of Cuba, speaking in right of reply, said the intention of the statement made by the United States Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, this afternoon, was to kill the efforts of the Commission. Through her statement, the prestige of the Commission had been eroded. The intent of her statement was also to start a new campaign against Cuba. She directed her accusing finger at Cuba and other countries whom she wanted demonize. For more than four decades, the United States had been campaigning to destroy the struggle of the Cuban people and their revolution.
A representative of the Russian Federation, speaking in right of reply, said Russian authorities were acting in Chechnya within the limits of international law in order to preserve the integrity of the Russian State. Russia had the obligation to protect its citizens. Its campaign was not a religious war against Muslims, as suggested by some. The federal forces were fighting against thousands of terrorist bands and not isolated terrorists. The federal forces were doing everything possible to avoid the loss of civilian lives. Furthermore, more than 20 human rights and humanitarian organizations had been allowed into the territory, as well as 500 foreign correspondents . High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson also had been invited to visit the Caucasus, including Chechnya.
A representative of China said in right of reply that Mrs. Albright had made groundless and slanderous accusations against China's human-rights record. The Chinese delegation strongly opposed and rejected unwarranted criticism, not only by the United States but by other delegations at previous sessions. China was committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, had developed its economy, improved people's living standards, enhanced judicial transparency and law-enforcement supervision, and was fighting against corruption. According to the Chinese Constitution all Chinese citizens were entitled to freedom of expression, assembly, association and religious belief. The Falun Gong was an evil cult and had already claimed the lives of more than 1,400 practitioners. The United States had been pointing its finger at China without keeping in mind the notorious racial discrimination prevalent in its own country. The United States was advised to spend more time examining its own human rights record.
A representative of Iraq said in right of reply that the United States Secretary of State had mentioned Iraq in a negative way. However, no one expected her to do anything to ease the plight of the Iraqi population. The military campaign waged by the United States and its allies against Iraq continued to cause great damage to the people of Iraq. The military destruction now equalled the bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, which the United States carried out during the Second World War. The continued shelling of Iraq had also had the effect of spreading illness among the population because of the destructive chemical weapons used by the United States.
A representative of the United States of America said he wanted to reiterate, in a right of reply, what Mrs. Albright had said earlier, that no nation should feel threatened by the work of Commission, that the Commission's standards and norms were universal, and that it was in everyone's interests to promote the work of the Commission.
A representative of Cuba, in a second right of reply, said America should examine its own human-rights record, which included notorious racial discrimination and xenophobia against the Afro-Americans and Hispanics. Cuba suspected that the United States was attempting to convert the Commission into a dependent body of its Government. Cuba appealed to everyone not to be fooled.
A representative of China, speaking in a second right of reply, said the United States showed atrocious arrogance. The American delegation was reminded that it was at the United Nations, where all nations had sovereign rights. The lack of respect shown by the US for the sovereignty of other nations which implied a lack of respect for the dignity of the Commission itself.
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56th session
23 March 2000
Afternoon
Commission on Human Rights Begins Debate on Racial Discrimination
The Secretary of State of the United States of America urged the Commission on Human Rights this afternoon to adopt resolutions critical of human-rights situations in China and Cuba and cited concern over situations in former Yugoslavia, Chechnya (Russian Federation), Sudan, Burma, Iraq and Iran.
Cuba, the Russian Federation, China and Iraq rejected the criticism in a spate of 'rights of reply' at the end of the meeting, defending their human-rights performances and -- in the case of Cuba and China -- charging that the United States should stop 'pointing fingers' at other countries and look at its own record which was blemished by serious difficulties with racial discrimination.
The Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, also said during her speech that no nation should feel threatened by the Commission, as its task was to support, through universal standards, the right of people everywhere to control their own destinies. She commended the body for approving last year a resolution affirming a universal 'right to democracy'.
Over the course of the afternoon the Commission began debate under its agenda item on 'racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination', hearing from a series of national delegations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Maurice Glele-Ahanhanzo, Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, introduced a report on the topic, citing concern about, among other things, the spreading of racist ideologies over the Internet; about the presence in a coalition Government in Austria of the Freedom Party; over recent attacks in El Ejido, Spain, against migrant workers, mainly from Morocco; and about the shooting death, with 41 bullets, of a black person in New York by four policemen.
Speaking at the meeting were representatives of Portugal (on behalf of the European Union), Bangladesh, Panama (on behalf of the Central American Group), Egypt, and Georgia, and of the following NGOs: Azerbaijan Women's Development Centre; Association for World Education; World Jewish Congress; International Confederation of Free Trade Unions; International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination; Earth-Justice Legal Defense Fund; International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism; and International Movement for Fraternal Union Among Races and Peoples.
The Commission will reconvene at 10 a.m. Friday, 24 March, to continue its discussion of racial discrimination.
Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination
Under this agenda item, the Commission has before it a report of the Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (E/CN.4/2000/16), which contains an account of racism and racial discrimination against the Roma in Eastern and Central Europe, including discrimination in employment, education, racial discrimination and racist violence, and reviews measures taken by the Governments of the Czech Republic, Romania and Hungary to remedy such problems.
There is a report of the International Labour Office (E/CN.4/2000/17) on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination, which highlights the ratification and application of ILO Convention No.111, one of the eight fundamental Conventions of ILO. The report notes the work of the ILO within the field of racial discrimination, with particular emphasis on migrants workers and indigenous and tribal peoples.
In addition there is a report of the Secretary-General submitted pursuant to Commission resolution 1999/78 (E/CN.4/2000/15) on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination, which reports on the implementation and coordination of the programme of action for the Third Decade to combat racism and racial discrimination. The report also emphasizes the importance of contemporary forms of racism, such as use of the Internet to spread racist ideas.
Statements
MADELEINE ALBRIGHT, Secretary of State of the United States of America, said her presence affirmed America's commitment to international standards of human rights and to the work of the Commission. The Commission was created as a practical instrument for investigating and calling attention to violations of human rights, and as a forum for international discussion, consensus-building and action, and it was the world's responsibility to carry this tradition forward. Every nation counted and there was always more to do.
Mrs. Albright said no nation should feel threatened by the Commission, as its task was to support, through universal standards, the right of people everywhere to control their own destinies. She commended the Commission for last year's approval of a resolution affirming the universal right to democracy. Democratically elected governments had increased from 30 to 120 around the globe -- a democratic tide had swept the world. The Commission was encouraged to move on in the same fashion by supporting a draft resolution on 'promotion and consolidation of democracy' fashioned by Romania. The Government of Poland was to be congratulated for sponsoring its Community of Democracies Initiative to be held in Warsaw.
Mrs. Albright termed Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic an example of those who violated the rights of their own citizens and frequently caused instability that crossed international borders. She urged the Commission to consider a resolution expressing concern about widespread denials of political, cultural, labour and religious freedoms in China. She also urged the Commission to support the draft resolution that the Czech Republic and Poland were to present regarding the ongoing failure of the Cuban Government to respect the fundamental rights of its people. President Castro's regime continued to suppress dissent, deny free speech, outlaw free assembly and harass human rights advocates and others who sought independence of action and thought, she said. The US Secretary of State condemned the indiscriminate use of force by Russia against civilians in Chechnya, although she recognized Russia's need to preserve its territorial integrity. A prompt and transparent investigation of all credible charges was recommended. Sudan, Burma, Iraq and Iran were also mentioned as violating human rights. Mrs. Albright encouraged the Commission to endorse the two optional protocols concerning child soldiers and child prostitution and pornography and to send them for adoption by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the General Assembly. The United States endorsed next year's World Conference on Racism, she said, and would participate in preparations for the event.
MAURICE GLELE-AHANHANZO, Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, presenting his report (E/CN.4/2000/16), said that racist forces were running rampage, as exemplified by three recent developments: in Austria the Freedom Party, which denied the most fundamental principles of human rights, won 27.22 per cent of the vote in the country's legislative elections. In El Ejido, Spain, attacks had been carried out against migrant workers, mainly from Morocco, and in New York a black person had been shot dead with 41 bullets by four New York policemen.
An extremely worrying phenomenon was the spread of racist ideologies via the internet. International cooperation was needed to limit this harmful activity, which no border seemed to be able to halt. Several initiatives in this regard had already been taken by Germany, Canada, France, the Netherlands and Sweden. Special concern was expressed over the situation of the Roma community, which constituted a vulnerable minority in most European countries. The French Government had implemented the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur by adopting important legislative measures against racism. However, a recent survey carried out by the French Consultative Commission on Human Rights and the Information Service of the Government revealed that only 29 per cent of French declared they were not racist at all.
In the context of the upcoming World Conference against Racism, it was important to recall that racism and racial discrimination remained widespread and could not be ignored. Aside from education and legal repression, countries should adopt economic and social measures in favour of persons who were marginalized as a result of discriminatory practices. Every country should adopt a national design to economically and socially integrate ethnic and national minorities, indigenous populations and migrants.
ALVARO MENDONCA E MOURA (Portugal), speaking on behalf of the European Union, said the right of equality before the law and the protection of all persons against discrimination was essential to the proper functioning of democratic societies. Diversity was a key element of the past, present and future of the European region. Defense of the essential principle of non-discrimination was consequently at the core of the European Union's understanding of human rights. It was the responsibility of States to ensure all human rights to all persons within their jurisdiction, and to guarantee that no one suffered from de facto or de jure discrimination. Awareness-raising, education and learning the lessons of the past were essential. The active participation of all members of the community, including minorities, indigenous people and migrants, was vital for human rights to flourish.
One of the prime purposes of the United Nations was to promote universal respect for human rights, without any distinction as to race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin. The EU's objective remained universal ratification or accession to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination. The EU believed next year's World Conference against Racism could be a strong mobilizing factor in the global struggle against racism and thanked the African Group for its contribution to the preparatory process. The EU noted that a conference on racism would be held as well in Strasbourg, in October. Cooperation with non-governmental organizations and civil society was pivotal for the success of such conferences. The European Union condemned all forms of racism and was taking major steps to ensure equal treatment in the important realms of employment, society, and working conditions.
IFTEKHAR AHMED CHOWDHURY (Bangladesh) said the dark chapter of institutionalized racism practiced under apartheid had faded into history. Sadly, however, a new chapter had replaced it with the emergence of xenophobia, ultra-nationalism, racially motivated policies and acts directed against ethnic minorities, foreigners, immigrants and refugees. In many societies, migrants had become special targets of racism and violence. Often host Governments applied restrictions on the entry of 'nationals of the south' while offering preferential entry to others from favoured countries of origin. This was clearly racist. Also disturbing was the use of subtle systems of exclusion of potential immigrants and refugees based on regional preferences.
Another disturbing trend was the use of new communication technologies such as the Internet for the spreading of racial hatred and racial discrimination. Regulatory measures needed to be taken to stop the misuse of communication technologies. Bangladesh strongly supported the upcoming World Conference against Racism, which would provide an occasion for charting future courses of action against racism.
ANEL ENRIQUE BELIZ G. (Panama), speaking on behalf of the Central American Group, welcomed the resolution against racism and expressed enthusiasm for the Third Decade against Racism. The Central American group intended participate actively. The General Assembly had declared the year 2000 to be the year of culture and peace.
Evident signs of racism, xenophobia and intolerance, particularly when applied to migrants where they had sought new opportunities, was a cause for concern. There had been recent outbreaks of racist violence in a series of the most-developed countries. The Central American Group appealed to the Commission to combat these expression of hatred, and recommended the allocation of funds for regional and world conferences on racism. It was suggested that the developed nations supply greater financial assistance to the World Conference to reconfirm their genuine support.
MOHAMED MOUNIR (Egypt) said the fight against racism, racial discrimination and other related fanaticism needed important coordinated efforts. The preparatory process for the forthcoming World Conference against Racism and Racial Discrimination should be diversified and intensified. Egypt was contributing to the preparation process through its participation in regional efforts. There was a negative tendency around the world in the way immigrants were treated. Racist attitudes towards religion should also be combated.
For its part, the Government of Egpyt was promoting policies to eliminate religious intolerance and was fighting any form of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and or related intolerance.
AMIRAN KAVADZE (Georgia) said one of the most outrageous manifestations of ethnic intolerance and ethnic antagonism was taking place in Abkhazia, Georgia, and was being committed by a criminal separatist regime. Although this autonomous republic within Georgia enjoyed full freedom and equality, separatists had been propagating anti-Georgian ideology and labeling the Georgian population in Abkhazia as 'occupants' and 'main enemies'. Backed by foreign powers, the separatists had been committing a crime against humanity, killing thousands and expelling almost 250,000 ethnic Georgians.
The Commission should change its selective attitude toward responding to such conflicts and pay appropriate attention to the hundreds of thousands of Georgians expelled from their homes; it should consider the situation resulting from the policy of ethnic cleansing being carried out in Abkhazia.
SEVINDJ BAGIROVA, of Azerbaijan Women and Development Centre, said nationalism, racism and xenophobia remained a global problem. Such problems occurred, among other places, in countries with developed economies and democratic traditions. The use of force and pressure for resolving conflicts had to give way to the use of reason, as the use of force, especially in this nuclear world, could lead to widespread fatalities. Conflicts could be prevented by guaranteeing human rights.
Consciousness was primarily formed by education. Nationalism, racism and xenophobia resulted from education that was not able to cultivate a sense of the unity of the human race. The establishment of an international institute of languages and cultures of the world, under the aegis of the UN, could further the idea of the common origin and shared value and interests of human beings and help eradicate racial discrimination, nationalism and xenophobia.
DAVID LITTMAN, of Association for World Education, said last year his organization had strongly opposed a draft resolution titled 'Defamation of Islam', maintaining that same position against what finally became a resolution titled 'Defamation of Religions'. It was felt that such a resolution would ultimately be used to condemn anyone for almost anything. The resolution noted at one point that Islam was frequently and wrongly associated with human-rights violations and terrorism, and it was worth noting now that Association for World Education had always distinguished between Islam and Islamism. It encouraged more representatives here to make the same distinction, loudly and clearly.
His organization also called on the Organization of Islamic Conference to revoke the fatwa against the author Salman Rushdie and called on the Commission to condemn crude defamations of Judaism that were still being propagated at some of the highest Syrian echelons, including an interview last summer in which a Syrian General, Mustapha Tlass, reaffirmed something he had written in 1991 in which he claimed Jews 'can. . . kill you and take your blood in order to make his Zionist bread', and an article by Jbara Al-Barghuthi titled 'Shylock of New York and the Industry of Death' and published in a Syrian State-controlled magazine. If this was not to be condemned under the resolution 'Defamation of Religions', what more was needed to qualify?
JESSE GUBERMAN, of World Jewish Congress, said that while citizens of every country should have the right to freely elect the Government of their choice, it was the right of those in other countries to determine with whom their own States would interact. The Government of Austria now included members of the ultra-conservative Freedom Party. That was a party whose former leader had praised Hitler's employment policies and had described the Waffen SS as deserving 'all the honour and respectof the army in public life'. The Government of Austria included a minister with close links to a magazine published by convicted holocaust denier.
The World Jewish Congress stood behind those in Austria who believed in tolerance and racial harmony, and behind those who decried xenophobia and discrimination. It also stood with all Governments and peoples everywhere who guarded with vigilance the principles set forth in the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
MARIE-THERESE BELLAMY, of the International Confederation of Free Unions, said labour securities for disabled persons were more fragile than those for others. Women also constituted a vulnerable group. Evidence showed that structural-adjustment programmes hurt women's rights, and delegations were encouraged to fully articulate agenda perspectives to combat gender inequality, ensure equal pay for equal work, and provide equal access to promotions.
It was shocking that Myanmar was slated to hold a preparatory meeting for the World Conference against Racism. Myanmar had continuously used forced labour and should be excluded from the International Labour Office. The Confederation also appealed to the Commission to take adequate measures to integrated disabled people into an increasingly competitive global marketplace. Fighting for equality was fighting for diversity, and the Confederation pointed out that all workers had the same right to dignity.
SHARFELDDIN, of the International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, said racism and racial discrimination had invariably had a negative impact on human society through history. Shifts in recent trends showed that racial discrimination was being remanifested through discrimination between nations and peoples on the basis of rich vs poor nations and developed vs developing countries. The developing world needed the means to develop and progress. This could be achieved only through education.
The leaders of the developed countries had to realize that their efforts in regards to the problem of underdevelopment and its consequences of racism and racial discrimination had to be strengthened. Fighting poverty and its many negative consequences was not only in the best interests of their own people but also was a debt they should pay back to developing nations.
NANCY ABUDU, of Earth Justice-Legal Defence Fund, said environmental racism was a pervasive and damaging form of racism that violated the human rights of people of colour. In the United States, the victims of environmental racism were African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders, who were more likely than whites to live in environmentally hazardous conditions. The residents of these communities suffered shorter life spans, higher mortality, poor health, poverty, diminished economic opportunities, substandard housing and an overall degraded quality of life. However, the United States Government had provided no effective remedies to the victims of these racist practices, nor had it taken effective action to stop such practices from occurring in the future.
The destructive effects of environmental racism were not exclusive to the United States. Another example was the double standard employed in extracting natural resources used by multinational corporations operating in developing countries -- severe envirionmental damage in the Niger Delta in Nigeria, for example, where the Ogoni and other peoples suffered as a result, or the U'wa people of northeast Colombia, the Amumgme of West Papua, Indonesia, the indigenous peoples of Burma, and various cases of the dumping of toxic wastes in developing countries.
ATSUKO TANAKA, of the International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR), said the Sinti and Roma were groups who suffered from perennial and persistent forms of discrimination. IMADR welcomed the progress made in including this issue in the European preparatory process for the World Conference against Racism. It was to be hoped that the European Conference and then the World Conference would pay due attention to the problems of Sinti and Roma and come up with recommendations and plans of action.
In Asia, one of the most persistent forms of racial discrimination was based on descent, including caste discrimination in South Asia and discrimination against Burakumin in Japan, which dated from the caste-like stratification of all Japanese nationals in feudal times. With those problems in focus, IMADR was encouraged by the conclusions adopted at the Eighth Workshop on Regional Cooperation for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Asia-Pacific Region, in which much work was done in support of combatting various forms of racism.
BERHANE RAS WOKK, of the International Movement for Fraternal Union Among Races and Peoples, said the organization welcomed the decision to hold a World Conference and thought the action-oriented quality of the Conference would give hope to victims of exclusion. Collaboration and mobilization by Governments, organizations, and individuals would make the meeting successful.
As a contribution to the World Conference, the International Movement would hold a training session from April 10-19 -- during the current session of the Commission -- aimed at training human-rights activities on 'eruptions of racism and ethnicity', the intent being to teach them to analyze and detect racism, ethnicism and xenophobia and to fight them before they became causes for tragedy. Participants would come from countries which had experienced conflict or genocide: Korea, Lebanon, Brazil, South Africa, Burundi, Rwanda, and Congo.
Rights of reply
A representative of Cuba, speaking in right of reply, said the intention of the statement made by the United States Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, this afternoon, was to kill the efforts of the Commission. Through her statement, the prestige of the Commission had been eroded. The intent of her statement was also to start a new campaign against Cuba. She directed her accusing finger at Cuba and other countries whom she wanted demonize. For more than four decades, the United States had been campaigning to destroy the struggle of the Cuban people and their revolution.
A representative of the Russian Federation, speaking in right of reply, said Russian authorities were acting in Chechnya within the limits of international law in order to preserve the integrity of the Russian State. Russia had the obligation to protect its citizens. Its campaign was not a religious war against Muslims, as suggested by some. The federal forces were fighting against thousands of terrorist bands and not isolated terrorists. The federal forces were doing everything possible to avoid the loss of civilian lives. Furthermore, more than 20 human rights and humanitarian organizations had been allowed into the territory, as well as 500 foreign correspondents . High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson also had been invited to visit the Caucasus, including Chechnya.
A representative of China said in right of reply that Mrs. Albright had made groundless and slanderous accusations against China's human-rights record. The Chinese delegation strongly opposed and rejected unwarranted criticism, not only by the United States but by other delegations at previous sessions. China was committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, had developed its economy, improved people's living standards, enhanced judicial transparency and law-enforcement supervision, and was fighting against corruption. According to the Chinese Constitution all Chinese citizens were entitled to freedom of expression, assembly, association and religious belief. The Falun Gong was an evil cult and had already claimed the lives of more than 1,400 practitioners. The United States had been pointing its finger at China without keeping in mind the notorious racial discrimination prevalent in its own country. The United States was advised to spend more time examining its own human rights record.
A representative of Iraq said in right of reply that the United States Secretary of State had mentioned Iraq in a negative way. However, no one expected her to do anything to ease the plight of the Iraqi population. The military campaign waged by the United States and its allies against Iraq continued to cause great damage to the people of Iraq. The military destruction now equalled the bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, which the United States carried out during the Second World War. The continued shelling of Iraq had also had the effect of spreading illness among the population because of the destructive chemical weapons used by the United States.
A representative of the United States of America said he wanted to reiterate, in a right of reply, what Mrs. Albright had said earlier, that no nation should feel threatened by the work of Commission, that the Commission's standards and norms were universal, and that it was in everyone's interests to promote the work of the Commission.
A representative of Cuba, in a second right of reply, said America should examine its own human-rights record, which included notorious racial discrimination and xenophobia against the Afro-Americans and Hispanics. Cuba suspected that the United States was attempting to convert the Commission into a dependent body of its Government. Cuba appealed to everyone not to be fooled.
A representative of China, speaking in a second right of reply, said the United States showed atrocious arrogance. The American delegation was reminded that it was at the United Nations, where all nations had sovereign rights. The lack of respect shown by the US for the sovereignty of other nations which implied a lack of respect for the dignity of the Commission itself.
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