BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 5. Racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, being affronts
to human dignity, constitute serious violations of human rights and
fundamental freedoms, said Shahriyar Hajiyev First Secretary of the
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United
Nations during an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur
on contemporary forms of racism at a meeting of the Third Committee
of the eightieth session of the UN General Assembly, Trend reports.
“Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance, being affronts to human dignity, constitute serious
violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms. They also
impede equal opportunity for the realisation of all human
rights.
It is deplorable that the above-mentioned ongoing and resurging
cases, including in multiple and intersecting forms, occur at an
increased level in many parts of the world. The international
community must undertake unified and strengthened action to
effectively address this scourge, in line with the purposes of the
Charter of the United Nations.
Azerbaijan’s Constitution firmly prohibits discrimination and
guarantees the equal rights and freedoms of all individuals. In its
regular dialogue with the Committee on the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination, the Government provides comprehensive information
on the national measures it has adopted.
The promotion and protection of cultural diversity, alongside
efforts to foster understanding and build bridges among different
cultures, can play a vital role in combating racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. An environment
of tolerance, mutual understanding, and inclusiveness can be
cultivated through advocacy and the active promotion of cultural
diversity.
It should be noted that racist movements rooted in ideologies of
racial superiority pose a significant threat to human lives and
hinder reconciliation efforts in post-conflict settings. States
should explicitly condemn and prohibit organisations that promote
and incite racial discrimination and recognise participation in
such organisations or activities as punishable offenses under their
national law.
Regarding the report of the Special Rapporteur, we emphasise
that the special procedures mandate-holders, in accordance with the
HRC resolution 5/2 of 18 June 2007, shall always seek to establish
the facts based on objective and reliable information emanating
from relevant and credible sources, which they have duly
cross-checked. Without the verification steps, the inclusion of
mere allegations in the report is unacceptable and should be
avoided.
Azerbaijan remains committed to supporting the rights and
dignity of all individuals within its territory, regardless of
race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin and will
continue to work towards the ultimate goal of eliminating racial
discrimination in all its forms and manifestations, both nationally
and globally,” said Hajiyev.
