Wang Yi Attends the High-level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly to Commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Durban Declaration and Program of Action
On September 22, 2021, State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi attended the high-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly commemorating the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Program of Action by video and delivered a speech.
Wang Yi said that eliminating all forms of racism and allowing everyone to enjoy equal dignity and rights is the spirit of the UN Charter and the embodiment of international fairness and justice. The Durban Declaration and Program of Action is the world‘s anti-racism banner and a common commitment of all countries. China warmly welcomes and firmly supports the UN General Assembly to hold a commemorative meeting on the 20th anniversary of the adoption of this programmatic document.
Wang Yi said that the slave trade and colonialism are the main sources of racism. People of African and Asian descent, as well as indigenous people, who were the victims of these actions in the past, are still bearers of their consequences. Relevant countries must at least have the courage to face up to this disgraceful history, take measures to eliminate the suffering caused by these acts, and have the responsibility to take the lead in resisting all forms of racism.
Wang Yi stated that China urges all countries to uphold a “zero tolerance” attitude, establish and improve a legal framework to combat racism, fully and conscientiously implement the relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, in particular, to effectively address systemic racism and law enforcement violence, and prohibit incitement. Racial hatred, put an end to impunity.
China advocates strengthening dialogue and exchanges among different races and cultures, discarding arrogance and prejudice based on race, color, and language, fostering a culture of respect, tolerance and equality, and striving to create a social environment free from discrimination. Politicians and the media in particular have to shoulder special responsibilities.
China calls for ensuring that everyone enjoys the right to development, eradicating poverty, marginalization, social exclusion, and economic disparity and other racism-producing soils, and breaking the vicious circle of social injustice and racism aggravating each other. It is necessary to accelerate the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and not to leave a country alone.
Wang Yi said that China is a supporter of the Durban Declaration and Program of Action, and will continue to be a practitioner, working with other countries to eliminate racism and build a world where everyone is equal.