The International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed each year on 21 March. On behalf of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP Group), the Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, reaffirms the Group’s commitment to strongly promote justice and equality in accordance with the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Secretary-General applauds the efforts undertaken by ACP Member States and Regional Organisations to outlaw discrimination and ensure the full enjoyment of economic, social and cultural, as well as civil and political rights for all. In this regard, the efforts of civil society to assist in building inclusive societies, in which diversity is seen as an asset and not as a threat, are indispensable.

The Secretary-General welcomes the choice of this year’s theme that focusses on the midterm review of the International Decade for People of African Descent. He calls on all countries for a renewed commitment to adopting action-oriented policies that promote diversity, equity and social justice.

The ACP Group seizes this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to strengthen actions to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerances, and extends its unwavering support to the international community in its efforts to combat racial discrimination in the true spirit of multilateralism.

Photo:© UN Photo/Logan Abassi