Call Urgent for NGO Sign-On to Joint UN Statement on Human Right to Peace
Author: Womens UN Report Network
Date: January 26, 2009
WUNRN
CALL FOR NGO SIGN-ON FOR JOINT HUMAN
RIGHTS COUNCIL STATEMENT:
HUMAN RIGHT TO PEACE VERSUS RACISM,
RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, XENOPHOBIA & OTHER FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION
Deadline for Sign-On is FEBRUARY 12,
2009
Contact Details for Statement:
International Society for Human Rights
David Fernández Puyana and Alfred de Zayas
Phone number: 0033450421917 (
E-mail: david.fernandez-puyana@orange.fr, zayas@bluewin.ch
Language(s): ENGLISH AND SPANISH
HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
Tenth session
Geneva, Palais des Nations
2-27 March 2009
Item 9 of the agenda
Racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow up
and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action
Joint
written statement submitted by (provisional
list)
International Alliance of Women (IAW), Commission of the Churches on
International Affairs of the World Council of Churches (CCIA/WCC), Brahma
Kumaris World Spiritual University (BKWSU), International Association of Soldiers
for Peace, Zonta International, International Federation of Settlements and
Neighbourhood Centres (IFS), International Council Of Women (ICW-CIF), World Young Women’s Christian Association, International
Women’s Tribune Centre, International Federation of Business and Professional
Women, International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations (ISMUN),
International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF), Soroptimist
International (SI), World Movement of Mothers, nongovernmental organizations in general
consultative status
Conscience
and Peace Tax International (CPTI), Dominicans for Justice and Peace (Order of
Preachers), Federación de Asociaciones de Defensa y Promoción de los Derechos
Humanos (España), Interfaith International, Pax Romana (International Catholic
Movement for Intellectual and Cultural Affairs and International Movement of
Catholic Students), Temple of Understanding (TOU), Women’s International League
for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), Women’s World Summit Foundation (WWSF), World
Organization Against Torture (OMCT), International Society for Human Rights
(ISHR), International Federation of University Women (IFUW), Femmes Africa
Solidarité (FAS), Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Worldwide Organization for
Women (WOW), Anglican Consultative Council (ACC), Union of Arab Jurists,
Rencontre Africaine pour la Defense des Droits de l’Homme (RADDHO), Foundation
for the Refugee Education Trust (RET), International Bridges to Justice (IBJ),
Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women
and Children (IAC), International Association for the Defence of Religious
Liberty, American Association of Jurists (AAJ), Lassalle-Institut, UNESCO
Centre of Catalonia, Anti-Racism Information Service (ARIS), Colombian Commission
of Jurists (CCJ), Pan Pacific and South East Asia Women’s Association
(PPSEAWA), Ius Primi Viri International Association (IPV), Permanent Assembly
for Human Rights (APDH), International Movement for Fraternal Union Among Races
and Peoples (UFER), Women’s International Zionist Organization (WIZO),
International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), International Federation of
Women in Legal Careers (FIFCJ), Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW),
International Association for Women’s Mental Health (IAWMH), European Union of
Women (EUW), European Women’s Lobby, International Women’s Year Liaison Group
(IWYLG), African Services Committee, Inc., International Federation of Family
Associations of Missing Persons from Armed Conflict (IFFAMPAC), Institute of
International Social Development, African Action on AIDS, International Society
for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), Lama Gangchen World Peace Foundation
(LGWPF), Pax Christi International, International Catholic Peace Movement, the
Syriac Universal Alliance (SUA), Tandem Project, Al-Hakim Foundation, Canadian
Voice of Women for Peace (VOW), Organization for Defending Victims of Violence
(ODVV), Solar Cookers International (SCI), Medical Women’s International
Association (MWIA), World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), United States
Federation for Middle East Peace, Susila Dharma International Association,
Network Women in Development Europe, Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the
Good Shepherd, International Council of Jewish Women, Nord -Sud XXI, General
Arab Women Federation, Comite National d’Action pour les Droits de l’Enfant et
de la Femme (CADEF), Endeavour Forum, ITTIJAB: Union of Arab Community based
Organizations, United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation, International
Indian Treaty Council, World Association for the School as an Instrument of
Peace, International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination, Latin American Committee for the Defense of Women’s Rights
(CLADEM), African Women’s Association (AWA), United Nations Association of
Spain (ANUE), Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic,
International Forum for Child Welfare, BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian
Residence and Refugee Rights, Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund, African
Commission on Health and Human Rights Promoters, nongovernmental
organizations in special consultative status,
Institute
for Planetary Synthesis (IPS), International Peace Bureau (IPB), UNESCO Centre
Basque Country (UNESCO ETXEA), 3HO Foundation (Healthy, Happy, Holy
Organization), Dzeno Association, Country Women Association of Nigeria (COWAN),
International Movement against all Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR),
Association Nigerienne des Scouts de l’Environnment (ANSEN), United Nations
Association of Hungary, Association of World Citizens, non-governmental
organizations on the Roster
_____________________________________________________________
Title:
Human
right to peace versus racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia
and other forms of intolerance
Text:
I
The Spanish Society for
International Human Rights Law (SSIHRL) welcomed on 30 October 2006 the adoption of the Luarca Declaration on the Human Right to
Peace. It was drafted by a Committee of independent experts and it was the
culmination of a process of extensive consultations with Spanish civil society,
with the support of the Catalonian Agency for Cooperation to Development.
Following the adoption of
the Luarca Declaration, the SSIHRL has continued in all regions of the world
the process of consultations with civil society through the organization of
conferences and expert meetings on the human right to peace[1][1]. In 2010 the SSIHRL will call for a World
NGO Conference to analyze and incorporate inputs received from international
civil society and to adopt the final text of the Universal Declaration
on the Human Right to Peace which will be submitted to the HR Council, urging its Member States to
initiate the official codification of the human right to peace.
On 15 March 2007 the Luarca Declaration on the Human Right to
Peace was presented to the fourth session of the Human Rights Council in an
oral statement delivered by UNESCO Etxea on behalf of SSIHRL. Since then
several parallel meetings have taken place at the Palais de Nations in
II
In recent years the reported acts of incitement to racial, ethnic and
religious hatred have dramatically increased in the world. In all Continents
vulnerable communities, especially members of minorities, are victims of public
utterances calling for intolerance and discrimination and, in some cases,
physical and psychological violence. Minority groups constantly find themselves
in a situation of extreme vulnerability. They are often associated with certain
types of crimes, such as drug trafficking, illegal immigration, pick-pocketing
or shoplifting[3][3]. Furthermore, as a result of the
overriding focus on prioritizing security over the international human rights
law in the prevailing political context, treatment of immigrants, refugees and
asylum-seekers is characterized by suspicion that they may be dangerous[4][4].
As recognized by the former Special
Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia
and related intolerance, discrimination, racism and xenophobia constitute
by definition a rejection of or a failure to, recognize differences[5][5]. Combating racism requires not only
identifying its manifestations and expressions but also analysing and better
understanding its underlying causes. The resurgence of the racist and
xenophobic culture and mentality can feed and foster a dynamic of conflicts
between cultures and civilizations, which constitutes the most serious threat
to world peace[6][6] and therefore to the human right to
peace.
The lack of recognition of multiculturalism is an underlying factor of
racism and the central issue in present-day crisis in most of the regions of
the world. Although societies are the outcome of lengthy historical processes
involving contact between peoples, cultures and religions, the central problem
of most modern societies lies in the fundamental contradiction between the
framework of the nation state, the expression of an exclusive national identity
and the dynamic of multiculturalization[7][7].
The identity crisis is developed around the dilemma of whether to preserve
an ethnic centred identity or to recognize the reality of cultural and
inter-religious pluralism. As human rights commentators indicate, identity
should be not an obstacle to, but a factor that enables dialogue, mutual
understanding, rediscovery of the proximity of the other and pluralism. The
concept of diversity should not be interpreted as radical difference,
inequality and discrimination against the other, but as a vital element
enabling to build a new social vision based on the dialectic of unity,
diversity and promotion of the value of cross fertilization between cultures,
peoples, ethnic identities and religions[8][8].
This new social vision should lead to peace.
The concept of clash of civilizations, cultures, ethnic identities or
religions has been the new front of the cold war theorists. This ideology has
not only shaped the world view of a growing number of influential politicians
and media chiefs, but it also became a new paradigm for some intellectuals and
academics. The ideological paradigm was based both on the use of the defence of
national identity and security[9][9], and the creation of an enemy in
the process of the construction of a national identity.
In their contributions to the Durban Review Conference the African Group
stated that, against the culture of fear, is necessary to promote dialogue,
peace, cultural diversity and mutual understanding[10][10]. The Latin American and Caribbean
Group concluded that the promotion of tolerance and cross-cultural values is
closely linked to the spirit of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action[11][11].
According to the Durban Declaration, “quality education,
the elimination of illiteracy and access to free primary education for all can
contribute to more inclusive societies, equity, stable and harmonious relations
and friendship among nations, peoples, groups and individuals, and a culture of
peace, fostering mutual understanding, solidarity, social justice and respect
for all human rights for all”[12][12].
Therefore, educational policies and programmes should be orientated to
promote peace, respect for cultural diversity and universal human rights, non‑exclusion
and non-discrimination. Furthermore, as indicated by the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective
Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, human rights education should play
a prominent role in combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance and promoting a culture of peace and dialogue[13][13].
Nevertheless, racial discrimination and xenophobia will rise
dramatically up in our societies unless States would adopt effective measures
designed to correct persistent forms of structural racism and to eradicate
social inequalities which represent the legacy of slavery and colonialism, and
feed poverty.
Since peoples of the world are entitled to equality of opportunity and
the enjoyment of their human rights, including the right to development and the
right to live in peace[14][14], actions undertaken by Governments
aimed at eliminating racism should include economic and social measures in
support of peoples marginalized by racial discrimination. As emphasized by the
Asian Group “poverty, underdevelopment, marginalization, social exclusion and economic
disparities are closely associated with racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance, and contribute to the persistence of racist
attitudes and practices which in turn generate more poverty”[15][15].
Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
manifest themselves in an aggravated and differentiated manner for women and
girls, “causing their living standards to deteriorate, generating multiple
forms of violence and limiting or denying them the benefit and the exercise of
their human rights …”[16][16]. As we are approaching the 15th
Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Programme of Action, it should be
reaffirmed that gender-based violence, such as battering and other domestic
violence, sexual abuse, sexual slavery and exploitation, and international
trafficking in women and children, forced prostitution and sexual harassment,
as well as violence against women, are the result of racism, racial
discrimination and xenophobia[17][17]. The Convention on the Elimination of
Discrimination against Women, as well as its Committee’s General
Recommendations, in particular GR 19 (1992) on violence against women,
including older women, should also be stressed.
A transformed partnership based on equality between women and men is
needed as a condition for people-centred sustainable development and world
peace[18][18]. In addition, the role played by
men and boys in advancing gender equality is vital, as recognized both by the
Beijing Declaration and the Commission on the Status of Women[19][19]. Therefore leaders at all levels,
as well as parents and educators, should promote positive male role models that
facilitate boys to become gender-sensitive adults and enable men to support,
promote and respect women’s rights[20][20].
Discrimination and racism is an extended phenomenon affecting peoples of
African descent and indigenous peoples. Although some legal and administrative
measures have been adopted to promote, enhance and strengthen the ethnic,
cultural, religious and linguistic identities, participation of minority groups
at the political, economic, social and cultural spheres, continues to be
irrelevant in many countries were racial policies based on superiority,
xenophobia or discrimination are prevailing. This is in flagrant violation of
the Charter of the United Nations and relevant international human rights
treaties. To efficiently implement main human rights standards, States should
promote dialogue among cultures and religions, enhance respect for the dignity
of peoples of diverse racial origin and belief, including indigenous peoples
and people of African descent; and finally, promote the human right to
peace.
As requested in Article 4 of the
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination, States Parties should adopt immediate and positive measures
designed to eradicate all incitement to, or acts of, racial discrimination[21][21]. In addition, the Human Rights
Committee stated in its General Comment 18[22][22] that the principle of
non-discrimination, together with equality before the law and equal protection
of the law without any discrimination, constitute a basic and general principle
relating to the protection of human rights.
The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination requested
States to take all necessary measures in order to avoid any
form of discrimination against immigrants, in particular asylum-seekers of Roma
origin[23][23] and
undocumented non-citizens[24][24].
As stated in
paragraph 17 of the Preamble of the Luarca
Declaration on the Human Right to Peace, adopted on
“Affirming that the effectiveness of the right to peace will not be
achieved without the realisation of equal rights for men and women and the
respect for their difference, without respect for the various cultural values
and religious beliefs compatible with human rights, and without the eradication
of racism, xenophobia and the contemporary forms of racial discrimination”
CONCLUSIONS
We therefore urge the Human Rights Council to further promote the rights
of minority groups and indigenous peoples suffering from racism, racial
discrimination and xenophobia, to social justice and equity, non-discrimination
and gender equality, respect of all human rights, cultural diversity,
linguistic rights, solidarity, peace and friendly relations among all nations,
races, ethnicities or religions.
We recommend that the Human Rights Committee update its General
Comment 22 (1993) on Article 18 of ICCPR (freedom of thought, conscience or
religion) in order to address current challenges.
We also request the Human Rights Council to remind Member States to be
aware of the existing links between efforts to combat racism, racial
discrimination and xenophobia, and the construction of democratic, interactive
and egalitarian multiculturalism, as well as the promotion of dialogue among
cultures, civilizations and religions, as a means to achieve the human right to
peace and to combat racial and religious intolerance.
We further request Member States to take necessary measures aiming at
the realization of fundamental rights of minority groups, as contained in the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Convention on the
Elimination of Discrimination against Women, the Convention on the Political
Rights of Women,
the Durban Declaration and Plan of Action, the UNESCO Universal Declaration on
Cultural Diversity, the UNESCO Convention against Discrimination in Education,
and the ILO Convention No. 111 on non-discrimination in access to employment
and occupation.
The Human Rights Council should request the Committee on the Elimination
of Racial Discrimination to analyse the issue of multiple
discrimination and aggravated forms of discrimination with a racial component,
and to adopt general comments on the methodology for countering this
phenomenon.
We also urge Member States to recognize the need to eliminate discrimination
against women as requested by the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the Beijing Declaration and
Platform for Action of the Fourth World Conference on Women of 1995; to promote
women participation at all levels of decision-making on peace and security
issues, as provided for in Security Council Resolution 1325; and to foster the
role of men and boys in advancing gender equality.
We further encourage Member States to ensure that indigenous peoples and
peoples of African descent enjoy their own culture, profess and practise their
own religion, use their own language and have access to health care or
education, as recognized by international human rights law.
We also recommend that a Declaration on human rights education
and training be adopted, to define positive obligations of States regarding the
incorporation of human rights education in their education systems,
including in private, religious, and military schools; to ensure
access to a continuous life long education at all ages in a society marked by
professional mobility and migration; and to include the right to education on
peace and human rights.
Finally, we invite all international actors to fully participate at the Workshop on the right of peoples to peace,
to be organized by the High Commissioner pursuant to Council Resolution 8/9,
adopted on
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