Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue celebrates "International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination"

GENEVA, 19th March, 2018 (WAM) -- Dr. Hanif Al Qassim, Chairman of the Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue, called for universal equal citizenship rights, with the aim of combatting racial discrimination and strengthening the role of tolerant communities, which are inclusive of everyone.

He made this statement during his speech on behalf of the Centre for the annual "International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination" 2018 on 21st March, where he explained that this year’s event will focus on promoting tolerance, inclusion, unity and respect for diversity, in the context of combatting racial discrimination.

Al Qassim praised the UAE’s pioneering efforts and that of its leadership to promote the values of tolerance, solidarity and co-operation among various nationalities and beliefs, as well as respect for their ideologies, whether they are residents or members of international communities while asserting that the UAE’s establishment of the Ministry of Tolerance is part of these efforts.

He added that incidents of racial discrimination have increased due to the effects of the growing wealth gap between the elites and the underprivileged. Foreign interference, political rivalries and civil conflicts have caused instability in the Middle East and North Africa, which is spreading to countries in other regions and has created a vicious circle of violence caused by terrorism and social unrest, resulting in the marginalisation and oppression of social, racial and religious minorities, he further added.

Al Qassim pointed out that Islam strongly focusses on equality and recognises that all humans are born free and equal while noting that this right is also present in Christianity, Judaism and other major beliefs and value systems.

The Centre will organise an international conference on 25th June, 2018, in Geneva, titled, "Religions, Creeds and/or Other Value Systems: Joining Forces to Enhance Equal Citizenship Rights," with the aim of unifying the voices of religious leaders to strengthen equal citizenship rights, he said in conclusion.