New York / Information Office / March 22
The State of Qatar, which chairs the United Nations (UN) Asia-Pacific Group for the month of March, stressed the group's efforts to find ways to promote values of tolerance, accept differences among people and promote a culture of respect for diversity within the societies of the groups' countries and other countries of the world.
This came during the speech of HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to UN Ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani to the UN General Assembly on behalf of the Asia-Pacific Group on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
On behalf of the Asia-Pacific Group, HE Ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani expressed concern at the growing hatred, ethnic intolerance and negative stereotypes based on religion, language, culture or ethnic diversity.
HE Ambassador appealed to the international community to take concrete action and to be accompanied by a strong political will to mobilize all efforts at the national, regional and international levels to address all forms and manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance through cooperation, partnership, and integration.
HE Qatar's Permanent Representative to UN explained that education and awareness about different cultures and religions would play a crucial role in promoting the values of tolerance, acceptance, and respect for diversity. Her Excellency stressed that the need to focus heavily on correcting misunderstandings and combating negative stereotypes as well as promoting harmony and tolerance for cultural, ethnic and religious diversity.
Her Excellency also noted the importance of acceding to the 2001 International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the full and effective implementation of the provisions of the Treaty.
In this context, HE Ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani referred to the outcome of the 2001 World Conference Against Racism, affirming that The Durban Declaration and Program of Action is the solid foundation for combating all scourges of racism and providing appropriate means of redressing victims of racial discrimination.
HE Ambassador stressed on behalf of the Asia-Pacific Group, for its unwavering commitment and strong determination to emphasize the struggle and fight for the elimination of racial discrimination as a top priority for the States of the Group and other world Powers.