Mr. Chair,

1. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on Agenda Item 69, dedicated to the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance.

2. At the outset, the Group thanks the Secretary-General for the comprehensive reports submitted under this agenda item, which provide invaluable insights for our discussions.

Mr. Chair,

3. The Group of 77 and China is deeply concerned about the alarming resurgence of all scourges of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance across the world. In the past half century, efforts have been made to eliminate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, but regrettably, historical and new forms of injustices persist in all walks of life. Prejudice and hatred against people of a different race, religion, or social status continue to afflict our communities and societies, particularly in developed countries.

4. In this light, the Group reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the comprehensive, landmark and historic outcome of the 2001 World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA). This outcome remains a solid basis and the only instructive instrument of the World Conference, which prescribes comprehensive measures for combating all the scourges of racism and adequate remedies for victims.

5. The Group reiterates its strong opposition to all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. We express our deep concern on the resurgence of contemporary forms of discrimination and intolerance in many parts of the world, and reaffirm that all forms of racial discrimination constitute serious violations of human rights, that must be rejected through all political and legal means.

6. We also express our grave concern over the growing incitement of hatred and intolerance, as well as racial profiling, including by law enforcement institutions, and negative stereotyping on any grounds and against any persons. The Group condemns the misuse of communications technologies, social media platforms and the Internet to promote racial superiority and xenophobia, intolerance, hate speech and incitement to violence and discrimination.

7. In this regard, the Group reiterates the need for political and religious leaders and media figures to fulfil their responsibilities in combating hate speech and stereotyping, and to adopt clear and strong and unequivocal positions against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. We recognize the need for the Group of Independent Eminent Experts to carry out their role in mobilizing such political will. We also note the lack of progress in the elaboration of complementary standards to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which are intended to fill existing substantive gaps.

Mr. Chair,

8. The Group is convinced of the power of education to eradicate all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Education allows to confront the dissemination of messages of racism and racial discrimination, deconstruct prejudices and stereotypes, create new values and attitudes, and foster interfaith and intercultural dialogue towards tolerance and unity, and the respect for cultural and religious diversity and the equal dignity of all, especially among young people.

9. The Group reiterates the urgent need to adopt and implement effective measures and policies that encourage all individuals and institutions to take a stand against racial discrimination, and move from rhetoric to its genuine elimination. We cannot afford to allow the scourges of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance to continue to grow into our societies. Humanity already knows what happens when the dangerous and false idea of racial or ethnic superiority is not fought back.

10. The Group continues to support the Programme of Activities for the Implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent, including the established Forum of People of African descent, as well as the elaboration of a draft UN declaration on the rights of People of African descent. In this regard, we wish to emphasize the urgent need to support the proclamation of a Second International Decade for People of African Descent.

11. The Group reiterates its strong support for the Durban Follow-up mechanisms and emphasizes the need to provide them with adequate and sustained resources. Furthermore, the reactivation of the Trust Fund for the Programme for the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination should be a priority.

12. In closing Mr. Chair, following the practice of previous sessions, this year the Group of 77 and China will again table a resolution on " A global call for concrete action for the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action ". We look forward to receiving the valuable contribution and support from Member States to this resolution and what it stands for.

13. The Group of 77 and China will continue to be a leading voice in the fight against the scourges of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Let us tackle these challenges and fulfill our aspirations to achieve a truly inclusive society where no one is left behind and where everyone lives in peaceful coexistence.

Thank you.