We have not eliminated racism and we must always be alert to the political voice who will seek to revive it and ride it to power - PM

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says we have not eliminated racism, by any means, and we must always be alert to the political voice who will seek to revive it and ride it to power.

This was highlighted at the United Nations today on the occasion of the commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), which is a comprehensive and visionary document that embodies the world’s commitment to tackle the scourge of racism.

A high-level meeting was convened by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid, which provided an opportunity for Heads of Governments and UN officials to review the efficiency of previous measures, revisit challenges, rectify shortcomings and commit to prompt and more effective measures against racism and racial discrimination.

In his statement to the UN General Assembly, Bainimarama says with advancements in digital technology, the proponents of hate speech and racist propaganda have a wider platform to spread their hate and gain influence.

He says the fight against racism and all its manifestations is a fight for all of humanity.

Bainimarama says it must be conducted in the halls of Parliament, in the Courts of Justice, in the administration of Government programmes, in the workplace and schools, and most importantly, in the hearts of people everywhere. The Prime Minister says racism flourishes where it is tolerated or ignored and a society that does not confront racism within it will watch the stain of racism grow.

He says history has shown us that it is a very short journey from racist attitudes to racist violence.

Bainimarama says it is the responsibility of the Government, through political leadership, to eliminate it.

He says leaders must also use their pulpit, to call out racism where it exists and to attach shame and social rejection to racist acts and racist ideas.

Bainimarama says in Fiji, we have had to confront with honesty an unpleasant history of racial division and racial hatred.

The Prime Minister says they have made great progress, but they are still fighting.

He says the 2013 Constitution recognises all citizens as truly equal for the very first time in our history.

Bainimarama says racial politics in the past led to two coups and the exodus of thousands of loyal and productive citizens who came to believe there was no future for them in Fiji. He says today, they welcome them back.

The Prime Minister says he is also proud of Fiji's young population who are embracing a Fiji that is both secular and blind to ethnic or racial differences.

He also reaffirms Fiji’s commitment to the vision of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and the work that remains to be done.

The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action is the UN’s blueprint for effectively tackling racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and represents a fundamental development in human rights. It was adopted by consensus at the 2001 World Conference against Racism in Durban, South Africa.