UN Human Rights Council, 52nd Session

Statement by Brazil’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative

During the Debate in Commemoration of The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 29, 2023

Mr. Vice President,

I deliver this statement on behalf of Antigua y Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the United States, Uruguay and my own country, Brazil.

We appreciate the presentation of the High Commissioner and the other panelists today.

In the Americas, we absolutely agree on the urgency of combatting racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.

Our countries are committed to progress towards racial equality.

We are proud to share that since 2018 the Organization of American States organizes “The Inter-American Week for People of African Descent in the Americas”. The sixth edition, last week, culminated in the annual commemoration of the International Day for the Remembrance of Victims of Slavery and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, on March 25th.

More importantly, it is worth mentioning that this year’s theme focused on education.

Being able to raise more informed and empathetic global citizens is essential for cultural, economic and political development. In the context of fighting discrimination, it is key to give people – the youth, in particular – the opportunity to examine their realities and carry out activities that defend their racial identities and promote racial justice.

We are aware that there is a long way to go. Education and awareness campaigns, including against hate speech and disinformation, show us an effective and consistent strategy. In the Americas we are convinced that we must persevere in our commitment to the elimination of all forms of discrimination.

Thank you.

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