Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Gennady Kuzmin at the ECOSOC Special meeting “Reimagining equality: Eliminating racism, xenophobia and discrimination for all in the decade of action for the SDGs”

Mr. President,

We welcome this special meeting. It becomes even more relevant due to the slowdown in progress related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on people around the globe.

There is an urgent need to address the increasing number of racist and nationalist incidents that we witness in many parts of the world. Once emerged as an ideological supplement to the policy of colonialism, the intolerable theories of racial superiority are still alive in nowadays societies. International community, including those states which claim themselves as champions in human rights, have a long way to go in establishing the principles of equality, respect and honour. Unequal treatment cannot be eradicated by mere destruction of colonial monuments and reduction of police funding.

On this year of the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and its Programme of Action, we need to recommit to their full implementation.

The Russian Federation is multiethnic state. Russia is home for more than 145 million people of different race, national or ethnic origin, religion or language. This requires comprehensive measures at national, regional and international levels, which contribute to the establishment and maintenance of a tolerant society based on the principles of equality and cultural diversity. As part of these efforts, we will be hosting the World Conference of Heads of State, Parliamentarians and Representatives of the World Religions on Inter-cultural and Inter-religious Dialogue for the Peace and Mankind in May 2022.

To combat racism, including its contemporary forms and manifestations, means to preserve the memory of those who sacrificed their lives during the Second World War, which was a consequence of the criminal ideology of Nazism. Last year we celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the bloodiest war and the establishment of the Nuremberg Tribunal, which was key in the foundation of the international order. The Judgement of the Nuremberg Tribunal made it clear that there is no place for national superiority, racism or discrimination in the civilized world.

With this in mind, the Russian Federation every year presents the General Assembly Resolution entitled “Combating glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance”, which is the only resolution aimed at addressing the interlinkages between the past events rooted in racism and discrimination and their contemporary manifestations.

Mr. President,

Racism, xenophobia and related intolerance can only be eradicated with the consistent and focused efforts of the international community and the political will. We call on joining efforts for this cause.

Thank you.