(March 19)

Mr. Vice President,

China has always been firmly opposed to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, hate speech and related intolerance. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA). We support African Group’s view on mobilizing political will on the full and effective implementation of the DDPA. We appreciate the work of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. Just as the African Group pointed out, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the existing structural inequalities and systemic racism and racial discrimination, which requires a global response with enhanced international cooperation.

China welcomes the oral update by Madam Bachelet, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressing her concerns over the continued police brutality against people of African descent and the lack of access to justice for victims. China agrees on the High Commissioner’s recommendations on addressing the root causes of racism and inequality.

China noted that the United States stated at this session that it would face up to its own problems of racism and racial discrimination. We should not only listen to the words, but more importantly watch actions. We hope that the United States could turn its public statements into concrete actions. Therefore, what the United States needs to do first is to fully and sincerely implement Resolution 43/1 of the Human Rights Council. The United States should address, among other things, racism, racial discrimination and police brutality, prohibit the spread of racist and racial discrimination speech, crack down on discrimination and hate-driven violence against African and Asian Americans, and Muslims, protect the rights of ethnic minorities, commit itself to the international campaign against racism, and facilitate the full and effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

We urge the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and the relevant EU countries to take steps likewise to address serious problems of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobic violence at home.

It remains to be seen if the countries concerned would mend their ways and make a difference.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President,