PRUN represents Fiji at the UN on international day for the elimination of racial discrimination

Fiji’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations (UN) in New York, His Excellency Filipo Tarakinikini had the honor to deliver a statement at the General Assembly Hall in observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. He delivered this statement as the Chair of the Asia Pacific Group of Member States in New York for the month of March.

In a regional statement delivered at the General Assembly, Ambassador Tarakinikini reaffirmed the Asia-Pacific Group’s collective commitment to addressing racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in all its forms.

Ambassador Tarakinikini further expressed Asia-Pacific Group’s joint call for the UN Member States and partners to consider, developing a comprehensive time bound national Action Plan to combat racism and racial discrimination including anti-discrimination legislation and policies.

At the outset, Ambassador Tarakinikini highlighted that the fight against racism is crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring that no one is left behind. He asserted that the Asia-Pacific Group remains firm in its commitment to eliminating all forms of racial discrimination and encourages continued cooperation in promoting dignity, equality, and human rights for all.

Importantly, in view of the international legal frameworks and global commitments in place, such as the Universal Declaration, the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination, and the Durban Declaration and Program of Action, Asia-Pacific Group encourages all the UN Member States to consider, ratifying the relevant Conventions and Frameworks including the implementation of their obligations and commitments.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Ambassador Tarakinikini underscored the urgency for the UN Member States to develop national action plans, implement anti-discrimination policies, and ratify and uphold international legal commitments to end systemic racism and discrimination.

Fiji’s participation at the UN high-level forum emphasizes the importance of multilateralism engagements to advance peace and prosperity as highlighted in Fiji’s Foreign Policy White Paper.