STATEMENT BY
MR. NIZHAN FARAZ RIZAL
SECOND SECRETARY
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
DURING THE GENERAL DISCUSSION ON
AGENDA ITEM 69: ELIMINATION OF RACISM, RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, XENOPHOBIA AND RELATED INTOLERANCE
THIRD COMMITTEE OF THE 78TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK, 27 OCTOBER 2023
Mr. Chair,
Malaysia associates itself with the statement by Cuba on behalf of the Group of 77 and China and adds the following remarks in its national capacity.
2. Thirty years ago, the World Conference on Human Rights which adopted the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA) recognised a number of acts, amongst others, all forms of racism, racial discrimination and apartheid, foreign occupation and alien domination, xenophobia and religious intolerance, as serious obstacles to the full enjoyment of all human rights. The Conference also underscored that, and I quote, “the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, in particular in their institutionalised forms such as apartheid or resulting from doctrines of racial superiority or exclusivity or contemporary forms and manifestations of racism, as a primary objective for the international community and a worldwide promotion programme in the field of human rights” unquote.
3. Eight years later, the quest of combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance was further strengthened with the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA). The DDPA serves as a comprehensive roadmap which outlines the roles of various stakeholders in the fight against the scourge of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
Mr. Chair,
4. Unfortunately, 30 years after the VDPA and 22 years after the DDPA, what we are witnessing instead is the complete opposite. Acts of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, particularly that of Islamophobia, have risen to disconcerting levels around the globe, under the guise of the exercise of freedom of opinion and expression. We are also witnessing the intensification of apartheid practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory by Israel, the occupying power, which is motivated by its deep-rooted sense of ideological and racial superiority. Labelling Palestinians as “human animals” is an affront to their dignity and a clear manifestation of deep-seated hatred and supremacy. Both the rise in Islamophobia as well as the blatancy of apartheid in the Occupied Palestinian Territory share a common root cause – impunity due to the refusal of States to take action to stop the violation of human rights arising from such acts. We have all committed under the VDPA to take immediate measures and develop strong policies to prevent and combat all forms and manifestations of racism, xenophobia or related intolerance. This should not be forgotten or cast aside.
5. As a multiracial and multireligious country, Malaysia firmly believes in the concept of peaceful co-existence as well as promoting empathy between the different ethnicities and beliefs. We believe that moderation promotes acceptance and understanding among diverse communities, thus contributing towards peace. We have undertaken various efforts to unify the different ethnicities in Malaysia and bring our society closer as one nation, while upholding their respective identities.
6. We denounce the repeated hate crimes targeting Muslims around the world as well as all forms of incitement to hatred and the fanning of racism in word or deed. We also view with grave concern the rising tide of hate speech on account of faith or ethnicity. We firmly support global efforts against Islamophobia and related intolerance. The propagation of Islamophobia as well as its legitimisation within political circles is disturbing and runs contrary to universal human rights principles.
Mr. Chair,
7. In conclusion, Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to the VDPA and DDPA as well as efforts towards combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, particularly Islamophobia. We will continue to work closely with the international community to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence and hatred against Islam, including Islamophobia sentiments and extremism.
I thank you.