Statement by Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN Mr. Sergiy Kyslytsya at the commemorative meeting of the UNGA to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Statement by Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN Mr. Sergiy Kyslytsya at the commemorative meeting of the UNGA to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Mr. President,

I would like to express gratitude for organizing this meeting, which helps attracting more attention to combating racial discrimination. Giving the high importance of the issue I would like to deliver the following national statement. The statement of the Eastern European Group of states unfortunately was not agreed due to what seems to be one divergent view on human rights direct relevance to elimination of racial discrimination.

Señor presidente, Celebro la decisión de dedicar esta reunión al Decenio Internacional de los Afrodescendientes. Como miembro fundador de las Naciones Unidas, Ucrania participó activamente en el proceso de descolonización y quisiera aprovechar esta oportunidad para reiterar nuestra solidaridad con el pueblo afrodescendiente. Estoy seguro de que es de suma importancia apoyar la aspiración del cumplimiento de todos los derechos humanos y libertades fundamentales por parte de los afrodescendientes. Por lo tanto, Ucrania se ha convertido en copatrocinadora de la resolución de la AGNU que establece el Día Internacional de los Afrodescendientes. Expreso nuestro agradecimiento a mi amigo el Embajador Rodrigo A. Carazo por el liderazgo en esta importante resolución y el papel activo de Costa Rica en la promoción de los derechos humanos y el estado de derecho. Quisiera reafirmar la voluntad de mi Estado de continuar la plena cooperación en la protección y promoción de los derechos humanos, incluidos los afrodescendientes, y la erradicación de todas las formas de intolerancia. También reconocemos que la cuestión de la discriminación racial sigue siendo una prioridad en el programa de la Unión Africana según lo previsto en el artículo 2 de la Carta Africana de Derechos Humanos y de los Pueblos, el documento histórico que marcará los 40 años de su aprobación en junio. Aquí me gustaría recordar también que Nelson Mandela dijo una vez: “Nadie nace odiando a otra persona por su color de piel, su origen o su religión”.

Mr. President,

The United Nations is built on the principle that discrimination between human beings on the grounds of race, color or ethnic origin is an obstacle to friendly and peaceful relations among nations; it is capable of disturbing peace and security among peoples and the harmony of persons living side by side. We have made an important progress in the global fight against racism and racial discrimination in recent decades. Yet, unfortunately, instances of manifestation of racial discrimination still occur in the world. Crimes against humanity and persecution of peoples still persist, intolerance and discrimination lead to violence and conflicts. Moreover, COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated all existing challenges. Therefore, we should redouble our joint efforts on combating intolerance as well as on providing protection to those who continue to be subjected to any kind of discrimination worldwide. In this regard it is crucial to ensure effective and full implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. My state is committed to its obligations under the Convention and expects the same from all its parties. For instance, we have been looking forward for the implementation of the provisional measures in the ICJ case against the Russian Federation on the application of the Convention. Having learnt the lessons of the great famine Holodomor, Deportation, WWII, Holocaust and Soviet’s terror, Ukraine has made promotion of tolerance, mutual respect and understanding within our society as an underpin of its state policy. I am sure that the world would only see progress in the global fight against racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, intolerance and discrimination on whatever grounds if all relevant stakeholders deepen their efforts and take relevant measures in this regard.

I thank you, Mr. President