(Part 1) High-level Meeting to Commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action - General Assembly, 81st session

Good morning. The high-level meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action is called to order. I warmly welcome all of you to this high-level meeting convened to mark the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration This high-level meeting is held on the theme, mobilizing global public support for the full and effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action in accordance with General Assembly resolution 80/193 of 15 December 2025 and 80/299 of 28 July 2026. Allow me now to make a statement as President of the General Assembly. Your Excellency, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa; Your Excellency, Mr. Secretary-General; Excellencies; distinguished delegates; 25 years ago, the international community came together in Durban with a shared conviction that racism is an assault on human dignity that racial discrimination entrenches injustice and inequality, and that xenophobia and related intolerance threaten peace within and among nations. The Durban Declaration and Program of Action was born in South Africa, a heroic nation whose people proved that institutionalized racism can be overcome. Durban drew strength from that struggle. It also confronted the enduring legacies of slavery and the slave trade, including the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, apartheid, and genocide. Durban, therefore, went beyond condemning prejudice. It confronted racism as a structural force. It called for stronger laws and institutions, national action plans, education, disaggregated data, equal participation, justice, remedies, and international cooperation. It placed affected communities at the center and remains today the most comprehensive global framework to combat systemic racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. The 25th anniversary, which we mark today, calls for renewed vigilance to uphold its historic tenets. Excellencies, the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance is not a matter of choice. It's a core obligation rooted in the UN Charter, international human rights law, and the commitments made in Durban. It's a responsibility we owe to every person everywhere, and we must deliver on it. Yet, we are falling short. The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination reports that 78 of the Convention's 182 States parties are significantly behind in their reporting, some by decades. This is more than a reporting gap; it is an accountability gap. We cannot remedy inequalities we refuse to examine. We cannot dismantle discrimination we fail to measure, and we cannot fulfill commitments without resources, monitoring, and political will. Excellencies, the political declaration before us calls for national action plans, comprehensive laws, independent human rights institutions, effective remedies, education, and meaningful participation by affected communities. We must translate those commitments into action. That means investigating racist acts impartially, promptly, and thoroughly. It means ending impunity, prohibiting racial profiling, and ensuring justice and adequate reparation for victims. It means collecting disaggregated data consistent with human rights and national law to expose discrimination hidden by averages. And it means confronting historical injustice through acknowledgement, remembrance, and meaningful reparatory justice that restores dignity and addresses continuing inequalities. Excellencies, racism does not stand still. It adapts to changing social, political, and technological realities. It can be embedded in institutions, concealed in supposedly neutral procedures, reproduced through biased data sets and amplified by digital platforms that reward outrage and division. Artificial intelligence can expand opportunity, but poorly and unguarded systems can reproduce structural inequalities and spread lies and hatred at unprecedented speed and scale. We need safeguards throughout the technological life cycle, representative data, transparency, human oversight, accountability, and remedies. Innovation must advance equality, not automate discrimination. We must respond firmly to hate speech, disinformation, Islamophobia, Christianophobia, anti-Semitism, anti-Black racism, anti-Asian racism, xenophobia, discrimination against Indigenous peoples and Roma, and towards minorities, migrants, refugees, women and girls. No community should have to live in fear because of its race, ethnicity, national origin, religion or belief. No digital platform should be allowed to profit from hatred without accountability. Excellencies, to succeed, we must strengthen national action, deepen regional cooperation, and reinforce global solidarity, taking stock of where gains have been made and where new approaches are needed. And we must place young people, our standard bearers, at the heart of our efforts. I'm honored to have youth representatives with us today. Across the world, young people are using their voices and, importantly, their digital skills to push back against prejudice, challenge harmful narratives, promote inclusion, and build more just and inclusive societies. They are exposing discrimination and using digital skills to build inclusive societies. We must listen. Invest in their leadership and protect them, and include them meaningfully in designing and monitoring anti-racism policies. As Nelson Mandela reminded us, no one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin or his background or religion. Hatred is learned, but so are respect, solidarity, and our shared humanity. Excellencies, this anniversary must mobilize public support, not merely commemorate Durban. We must move from declarations to funded national action plans, from promises to measurable results, from incomplete data to accountability, from impunity to justice, and from acknowledgment of historical wrongs to dignity, healing, and meaningful repair. Today, as we reflect on 25 years since Durban, let us urgently renew our political will together. Let us defend the equal worth of every human being. Let us build societies where diversity is valued as a source of strength. And let us make equality and non-discrimination an enduring reality for every person, everywhere. In larger freedom, in equal dignity and in solidarity with all. The mandate is clear, the responsibility is shared, and the time for action is now. I thank you. I now have the honor to invite the Secretary General of the United Nations, His Excellency Antonio Guterres, to make a statement. You have the floor, sir.

Mr. President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, dear friends, the United Nations is guided by a simple yet profound purpose: to help build a more peaceful, just and equal world where the dignity and rights of every person is upheld. This is a moral imperative and a shared responsibility. Member States have made a solemn pledge to combat racism, to eradicate discrimination in all its forms, and to advance the dignity, human rights and equality of all those affected by racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. This mission is even more urgent today than when the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action was adopted 25 years ago. As we see around the world, racism continues to poison societies, deepen inequalities and deny people their fundamental rights and freedoms. It is deeply rooted in the entrenched legacies of colonialism, enslavement, and oppression. And it takes many forms, from economic, social, and political inequalities within and across continents. The laws, policies, and institutions that discriminate against people because of their race, religion, color, descent, or national or ethnic origin, To the daily denial of dignity, rights, safety, and equal opportunity faced by people of African descent, indigenous peoples, migrants, refugees, and minorities. To digital tools and technologies that are amplifying the spread of hate speech and disinformation, perpetuating lies and harmful stereotypes, and fueling violence and abuse. Excellencies, The antidote to these poisons is unity and tangible action. Governments must strengthen and effectively implement anti-discrimination and equality laws, and the institutions that enforce them. They must also spare no effort to dismantle systemic discrimination and invest in inclusive and equal societies. While governments must take the lead, everyone has a role to play. Businesses, must respect the right to equality and non-discrimination by preventing direct and indirect discrimination and creating workplaces where all people can contribute their talents and ideas. Technology companies must identify, mitigate, and address bias in artificial intelligence systems and ensure that digital technologies advance equality, inclusion, and digital justice rather than undermine them.

Excellencies, as your panel discussion will highlight, younger generations are bringing the spirit for dignity, justice, and equality into the spaces where their futures are being decided in classrooms, communities, workplaces, technology labs, and digital platforms. As we look ahead, The world must confront the enduring consequences of slavery, colonialism, and racial discrimination through concrete measures to deliver reparatory justice grounded in international human rights law. We must also make the second International Decade for People of African Descent a decade of concrete change. And we need to see the universal ratification and full implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Excellencies, today and every day, let us take a stand. Together, let us fight for the dignity, rights, and belonging of all people. Together, let us reject injustice. Together, let us build societies where racism and discrimination have no place, today and for all time. Thank you.

I thank you, Mr. Secretary-General. I now invite Ms. Claudia Fuentes Julio, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, to make a statement on behalf of the High Commissioner.

Thank you, Mr. President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, dear colleagues and friends. 25 years since the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, Millions of people still experience racism as a daily reality, in opportunities denied and discrimination across all spheres of life. According to the 2026 Global Progress Report on Sustainable Development Goal 16, reports of discriminations are rising globally. Nearly one in five people across the world report having experienced discrimination in the past 12 months. Overall, race, color, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status are the most commonly cited reasons for discrimination. These are not abstract statistics. They speak to lived realities. Racial discrimination continues to shape people's experiences in schools, workplaces, hospitals and housing, in interactions with law enforcement, at borders and across criminal justice systems. The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action challenged us to change this. It recognized the breadth of groups facing racism. people of African descent, indigenous peoples, Roma, refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced people, minorities and many others, often compounded by other factors such as sex, gender, disability, migration status, ethnicity, religion of belief or poverty. This represents millions of people worldwide. Today, our responsibility is not simply to reaffirm the promise of Durban, but to turn that promise into action and real impact. Over the past 25 years, progress has been made. Laws have changed. Institutions have been established. Anti-racism movements have transformed public debate. At a time when this progress is threatened and we witness rollback in some countries, this anniversary must also be a moment of truth. Mr. President, the Durban Declaration recognized a fundamental idea. Inequalities cannot be understood or addressed without reference to the past. The declaration recognized that slavery, the slave trade, apartheid, colonialism, and genocide were among the major sources and manifestation of racism and racial discrimination. It recognized that African and people of African descent, Asians and people of Asian descent, and indigenous peoples were victims of these acts and continue to be victims of their consequences. This is why reparatory justice for legacies of the past is so essential. It is about truth seeking, acknowledgement and apologies, education and memorialization, compensation, restitution of heritage, medical and psychological support, and ensuring that victims and affected communities help determine what reparatory justice should look like. For Africans and people of African descent, reparatory justice is key to dismantle systemic racism and transforming the present and future. Excellencies, 25 years after Durban, the central challenge is implementation. We need a shift from commitments to equality to measure racial equality. To make this a reality, five priorities demand urgent action. First, states need to adopt and effectively implement comprehensive national laws, policies and action plans against racial discrimination with measurable targets, adequate resources and mechanisms for monitoring and accountability. Second, we need better data. States need to collect and publish data disaggregated by race or ethnic origin and other factors consistent with human rights and privacy safeguards. Third, we need accountability and remedy. Victims of racial discrimination must be able to obtain justice. Allegations of racial profiling, discriminatory policing, and racist violence need to be effectively investigated and those responsible held accountable. Fourth, we need to advance reparatory justice, grounded in international human rights law and developed with the full and meaningful participation of affected communities. Finally, we need to ensure that the digital transformation advances equally rather than undermines it. State and companies should assess and address racial bias in artificial intelligence and algorithm systems, ensure meaningful transparency and accountability, and provide effective remedies where discrimination occurs. Across all of this, meaningful and inclusive participation of affected people and civil society, particularly young people, must be central. The second International Decade for People of African Descent is an opportunity for concrete steps to dismantling the structures that continue to produce racial inequality. The UN Human Rights Office is an ally in these efforts. We advocate for the implementation of Durban Declaration and we work with the states, regional bodies, national institutions, civil society and affected communities to combat racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Mr. President, 25 years ago, the Durban Declaration articulated an ambitious vision. a world in which equality and dignity are not determined by race, color, descent, or national or ethnic origin. That vision remains unfulfilled. Let this anniversary be a call to action, to turn commitments into real equality. Durban gave us the roadmap. What is needed now is the political will to act. Thank you.

I thank the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights. I now invite His Excellency Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, to make a statement. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you very much, President of the General Assembly, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the United Nations Representative High Commissioner for Human Rights, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. 25 years ago, the world converged on our shores in Durban, South Africa, for the World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance. At the opening of that conference, the then President of the Republic of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, said the gathering heralded a new era of internationalism. It was an internationalism marked by determination to unite in action to repair the gross damage that was caused in the past. From that conference came a landmark framework and a roadmap with a clear commitment to confront the legacies of slavery, colonialism, apartheid, and racial discrimination. The Durban Declaration and the Programme of Action marked a pivotal moment in the international community's commitment to build a world rooted in equality, dignity and justice. It also recognized that racism and related intolerance will not be defeated through state action alone. Laws and independent institutions are needed to combat discrimination and policies to uplift those on the receiving end of discriminations are very critical. But also civil society, communities and ordinary people have a pivotal role in changing these realities. Therefore, Durban was a major success. It set the norms and gave the world a programme to address one of the historical and perennial scourges facing the world. This declaration and programme of action was adopted in a challenging global context. The conference was marked by fierce debate, courage and willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about the past and its stubborn effects. 25 years later, the global environment is not less challenging. Racism persists. Xenophobia and related intolerance are finding renewed expression, worsened by digital platforms, algorithms and some of the prejudices that still exist in some of our societies. Gains in gender equalities are also under threat. Measures aimed at to redress and anti-racism are facing a backlash and are sometimes portrayed as discriminatory in themselves. This fraught context makes our renewed commitment to the Durban Declaration even more pressing. Contemporary racism against Africans and people of African descent is still embedded in institutions, systems, and practices that govern human affairs across the globe. This is why we must strengthen our collective efforts, Excellencies. Inequality and insecurity provide fertile ground for resentment and polarization. The global hardening of attitudes towards migrants, who are often a scapegoat for socioeconomic hardships, is also more reason for us to push for more cooperative ways of addressing migration pressures. The management of irregular migrations must be the responsibility of all states and states alone. Failure to cooperate leaves the doors wide open for actors whose conduct runs counter to the principles of equality, dignity, and human solidarity that we stand for. In fact, such actors see an opportunity to return to the past to work hard to fragment our societies into racial and ethnic divides. But even in these challenging moments, there is reason for hope. With the Ghana's leadership and the support of the African Union, this General Assembly recently adopted a declaration of the trafficking of enslaved Africans and the racialized chattel enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity. This gives renewed force to the demand for reparative justice. With Togo's stewardship and the backing of the African Union, the UN General Assembly recently adopted a resolution to correct the map, rebalancing global cartographic representation and promoting a more equitable representation of the world's region. This will go a long way in correcting distortions which have long depicted Africa as smaller than it is. These advances remind us that past wrongs will not right themselves, historical distortions do not correct themselves, and progress is always a product of a struggle, and that we need to remain resilient to move forward in building societies free of racism, xenophobia, and related intolerance. Today, we renew our call on states to address the legacies of the past, including through formal apologies, through telling reparations and the return of cultural artifacts to countries of origin. We welcome the progress towards the UN Declaration on the Human Rights of People of African Descent. This anniversary should mark a turning point in protecting human rights, reducing inequality, and advancing inclusive development. The envisaged UN declaration must give practical effect to second international decade and serve as a framework for redressing past injustices. As we mark 25 years of the declaration, we should redouble our efforts to bridge the gulf between the promise of laws and international commitments and the reality citizens and non-citizens experience on their daily lives. Excellencies, South Africa acknowledges and welcomes the political declaration marking the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration. In particular, we hope that all States will establish or strengthen independent national human rights institutions. These institutions should play a pivotal role in monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the declaration. The declaration call upon us to marshal political will at every level and to build momentum that cannot be turned back. At home, in our regions and across the world. we will take concrete and measurable steps to fight racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. 25 years ago, we recognized that Durban marked the beginning, not the end. The task of building a world free of racism, righting the wrongs of the past and restoring the human dignity of all is as much as ours today as it was for the generations that converged in Durban a quarter century ago. I thank you.

I thank the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa. I now invite Ms. Marley Diaz, a representative from civil society, to make a statement.

Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, Member States, Excellencies, and colleagues, thank you for the opportunity to speak. I belong to a generation that has come of age in the years since this declaration was adopted. Many of us were never taught the histories that shaped the world we inherited, the systems that built our institutions, drew our borders, and determined whose story would be preserved. This anniversary is an invitation to remedy that, and a reminder that the work of teaching is a shared responsibility. To those who wrote and carry out this declaration every day, thank you. The theme of this meeting is mobilizing global public support. But before we can cultivate that support, I believe we must be candid about what stands in its way. The first obstacle is our reluctance to acknowledge that our systems have failed people. It is more comfortable to regard slavery, colonialism, discrimination, sexism, and xenophobia as chapters that we have closed. But as any reader knows, earlier chapters do not vanish when we turn the page. They shape every chapter that follows, and stories make little sense to someone who skips up. The declaration asks us to not skip ahead. We must read carefully to understand the story as a whole. Only then can we comprehend the way these legacies have endured in our institutions and shaped our daily lives. No country is free of racism, and we cannot dismantle what we are unwilling to examine honestly. That candor is the heart of this document. It is also what makes it so demanding to fulfill. States, delegations, and institutions are ultimately composed of people. Whether this declaration endures beyond this chamber depends on individuals here and in the communities you represent, resolving to carry it forward. I came to understand these truths through books. Books gave me language, offered me history, and a way to see myself. When I was 11, I started the #1000BlackGirlBooks because I could not find stories with girls like me as the main character while I was reading in school. What began as a search for 1,000 books has grown into a collection of more than 15,000. Along the way, I witnessed what happens when a child discovers herself on the page. She gains a vocabulary for what she is living through. And when other children encounter her story, they begin to comprehend a life unlike their own. That holds true for children of African descent, for indigenous children, for migrant children, and for every community this declaration recognizes. And it particularly holds true for girls. For when we educate a girl, we educate a community. With that in mind, I would like to make three requests. First, I ask that young people become a central part of how this declaration is carried out. The UN Youth Office and youth networks across the UN system are well placed to lead that work and to equip young people with the language to recognize inequity and confront it. We must also meet young people where they are. Many now encounter these histories online, often in fragments and without context. Our lives are still lived in physical communities, but our understanding of them is increasingly shaped in digital spaces. If we want young people to learn this history truthfully, We must be present in those spaces as well, with materials that are accurate, accessible, and designed for the ways they actually learn. Second, I ask that we encourage families alongside students. Families are the first institutions. Their actions shape our morals and our values. Families give children their first language for understanding the world. So long before a child opens up a history book, she learns from the people around her how to describe fairness, difference, and belonging. My own parents gave me words for what I noticed was missing from my bookshelf. The declaration recognizes that education begins within the family. Partnering with UNESCO, NGOs, and national education authorities to develop accessible materials for parents would help families pass on that language of equity with confidence, carry these conversations into the home, and embed them into the primary institutions shaping our everyday lives. Third, I ask that the communities help decide how this declaration is implemented. Nothing for us without us. Affected communities and young people in particular should be at the forefront of designing and evaluating program of action plans. People sustain communities that they help shape. We must write and rewrite the narratives of inequity by crafting new and better stories. The stories we tell can allow us to feel seen for the first time and allow others a glimpse into a life they have never lived. Transformation of that kind is seldom sudden. It is cultivated through small, deliberate acts of listening, learning, and unlearning, sustained over time and together. This declaration was written by people who hoped a generation like mine would inherit a more just world. It began with an honest acknowledgement that our foreparents had failed many of its people, and that we must give birth to new forms of justice. Today, we honour this history by continuing what it set in motion. We commit to learning our history together, telling it truthfully, and passing it on, so that every person has a reason to believe these commitments were made with them in mind. Let's write a new chapter together. Thank you.

I now invite Ms. Esther Sena, a youth representative, to make a statement.

Thank you. It's an honor for.

Me to be here today. 25 years after Durban, we're at an important stage, not only to remember what was built in 2001, but also to look forward to see what we have learned since that time. to recognize those that made this path possible and principally think about everything that we still need to transform. And in order to do that, we need to begin with those who have -- are affected. I am from Latin America, of Latin America -- of African descent, and I am very proud of what African women have done and all the black women of our region. Those of African descent in Latin America arrived in Durban and their message was much bigger than their individual voices. They carried the voices of women who were facing racism a long time before international institutions were prepared to listen to their voices. When we look at Durban today, we have to ask ourselves whether all of the commitments undertaken have been fulfilled or not. We have to look at the various kinds of transformation that have happened since that time and recognize that we have failed with regard to some of the Durban commitments. For example, in my own country, in Brazil, we have managed to make important progress. We have affirmative action today and racial equality and particularly SDG 8 to promote ethnic and racial equality. equality. Also, the Youth Declaration of Latin America and Caribbean of those of African descent was adopted at the Youth Caribbean Summit and shows that a lot of challenges still remain in our region. The declaration points out that the barriers facing those of African descent are still there in achieving quality education and decent work and access to basic services. Also, there is an increasing invisibility of our history and cultural contributions. But above all, this declaration is a call to recognize the strength and leadership and the transformative power of those of African descent. We are not just witnesses of the changes that we want to see, we are building these changes. But leadership in itself cannot overcome years of injustice and structural injustice. Only if we are honest about history can we recognize slavery that was the greatest crime against humanity, and it requires reparations. And until we can see a clear change and resources and rights and opportunities and power in our society, then we will not have achieved our goal. We need to promote a project that will help those of African descent enter into a cycle of prosperity, particularly women and girls. And racism is structural and it's institutional. We need to face this. Governments need to face this. We need public policies, investment, data. and specific actions to be taken in order to transform these inequalities built over generations into something better. We can never confuse individual representativeness with structural change, and that's why it's also important to recognize that young people and those of African descent recognize what we're doing in a great international fora. We, young people of African descent, we received a legacy built by previous generations. It's our responsibility to protect that legacy, but also to move it forward. We have ideas and we have solutions, and we want to be part of those spaces where policies are designed and implemented to build a future that we want. And to do that, we defend that racial justice should be at the heart of building the future that we want. Thank you very much. Thank you.

I thank Ms. Sena. We have just heard the last speaker. of this high-level meeting, I thank our eminent speakers once again for their participation and insightful interventions. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I now turn to the draft political declaration of the high-level meeting of the General Assembly to mark the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. I refer to the letter dated 4 September 2026, circulated during the 80th session of the General Assembly, transmitting the draft political declaration. I will now put the draft political declaration before the high-level meeting for its approval, with a view to its adoption at a subsequent formal plenary meeting of the General Assembly. Let me repeat, the Assembly is not adopting the declaration at this stage. It will be considered at a future formal meeting of the Assembly. With that understanding, may I take it that the High Level Meeting wishes to approve the draft political declaration for adoption at a subsequent formal plenary meeting of the Assembly? I see no objection. It is so decided. We shall now hear statements in the general debate of the High Level Meeting. in accordance with paragraph 1 of the General Assembly resolution 80/299. Before giving the floor to the first speaker, I'd like to inform delegations that we have a very long list of inscriptions. To enable the high-level meeting to hear from as many delegations as possible in the limited time available, All speakers are requested to adhere to the three-minute time limit for statements in the national capacity and five-minute time limit for statements made on behalf of group of states. Delegations are advised that the time limits will be strictly enforced. Microphones will be automatically muted once the speaking time is elapsed, and I'll be inviting the next speaker at that point. I appeal to all speakers to deliver their statements at a reasonable pace to facilitate interpretation into the six official languages of the United Nations. I now have the honor to invite the distinguished representative of Burkina Faso to speak on behalf of the African Group. You have the floor.

Microphone, please.

The African Group aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China. The group also appreciates the exemplary work of His Excellency Tonga Mushawe, and from Zimbabwe, and from Brunei Darussalam. The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action continues to provide a roadmap for advancing equality, inclusion, and dignity for us. This 25th anniversary provides an important opportunity not only to reflect on the progress made since Durban, but also to acknowledge the persistent and emerging challenges that continue to undermine equality worldwide. Mr. President, it has been 25 years. However, structural racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, hate speech, and intolerance remain deeply entrenched. New forms of discrimination have emerged in digital spaces through evolving technology, among others. human trafficking, whose victims tend to be women and children. This anniversary, therefore, serves as a timely reminder that the commitment and consensus reached in Durban must be preserved and require renewed political will as well as sustained international cooperation to ensure that the vision of equality, justice, and human dignity became a reality for all. We thank those states that have adopted comprehensive legal frameworks and established appropriate mechanisms. We also commend the work of civil society. Mr. President, the Africa Group calls for reparatory justice, historical accountability, cultural restitution, and remedial measures to address the continuing effects shaped by centuries of enslavement, colonial domination, apartheid, and genocides. These historical injustice established structural inequalities, whose continue to influence economic development, governance, and access to opportunities by Africans and people of African descent. We call for reparatory measures that include historical acknowledgement and apology, guarantees of non-repetition, equal economic partnership, educational and scientific cooperation, institutional reform through constructive engagement, reconciliation, and restorative measure as emphasized in the recently adopted resolution of the trafficking of enslaved African, Resolution 80250, which we believe will restore dignity, strengthen equality, and promote more balanced international partnership. Mr. President, the African Group reaffirms its unwavering commitment to combating racism and calls the international community for the full and effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. Coming together, is a beginning. Staying together is progress, and working together is success. Let's fight racism together. I thank you all for your attention.

Thank you. I thank the representative of Burkina Faso, who spoke on behalf of the African Group. I now have the honour to invite the representative of Zimbabwe. to speak.

Mr. President, 25 years ago in Durban, the international community made a solemn commitment to eliminate racism, racial discrimination, and related forms of intolerance, as well as the legal and institutional infrastructures that perpetuate and sustain them. In line with Section 56, Subsection 3 of Zimbabwe's constitution, which guarantees equality and fair treatment for everyone, regardless of nationality, race, colour, or ethnic or social origin. We reaffirm the centrality of the Daeven Declaration and Programme of Action as the international community's comprehensive framework for combating racism and related intolerance. Mr. President. Building on the progress we have achieved, we are called to leverage on the momentum to champion unity, inclusion and human dignity across every modern platform. As a community of nations, it is our solemn responsibility to protect indigenous peoples, migrants, refugees, and all vulnerable communities, while fostering a global culture of harmony, respect, and solidarity of all people. The push for reparatory justice is a legitimate quest for acknowledgement and restitution to address the structural inequalities that continue to affect lives and societies today. We must therefore dismantle political, economic and social infrastructures that perpetuate racial inequality. In conclusion, let us renew our commitment through sustained collective action. Together, we can build societies in which hatred has no refuge. I am because you are, you are because I am. This is the core of Ubuntu philosophy, a contribution of Africa to the world. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Zimbabwe. I now call upon the distinguished representative of Brazil to make a statement.

Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 25 years ago in Durban, the world recognized for the first time by consensus that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance demand concrete responses from States and from the international community. who had the honor of facilitating the negotiations on the chapter on reparations of that program of action, the chapter that enabled the World Conference Against Racism to conclude by consensus. 25 years later, we renew that commitment with redoubled conviction. This is not about celebrating a text from the past, but rather about reaffirming a path that is still unfinished. Brazil arrives at this moment with concrete achievements built under the leadership of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who created for the first time a ministry dedicated exclusively to racial equality in Brazil, and who in 2023 proposed to the international community an 18th sustainable development goal devoted to this issue, now incorporated into the national development agenda. We also led the proclamation of the second International Decade for People of African Descent. In March this year, with the support of 123 countries, we co-sponsored the resolution put forward by Ghana. On behalf of the African Group, recognizing the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans as the gravest crime against humanity. And during COP30 in Berlin, we launched the Berlin Declaration on Combating Environmental Racism, recognizing that the climate crisis also has a color. None of these advances would have been possible without the Durban Declaration and Program of Action. And none of them is on its own sufficient in the face of the persistence of structural racism that runs through our societies, particularly among Black youth, Black women, and girls. Brazil reiterates its support for the conclusion within this decade of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of People of African Descent. We advocate for the strengthening of the permanent forum of people of African descent, including in the face of the budgetary and financial pressures the UN faces today. We remain convinced that historical respiration must translate into public policy financing and measurable results for people.

I Thank you, distinguished representative of Brazil. I now invite the distinguished representative of Nigeria to deliver a statement.

Mr. President, The Deputy Secretary General, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. Nigeria aligns with the statement just delivered on behalf of the African group. The Silver Jubilee anniversary provides a unique opportunity to test talk of the progress achieved over the years and significant gaps that remain. Despite repeated commitments, racism and racial discrimination persist in many societies, while Africa and people of African descent continue to experience racial profiling, exclusion, and unequal treatment. Without doubt, the challenge is not the absence of an agreed framework, but the lack of sufficient resolve and concrete action to fully implement it. Mr. President, racism is also assuming new dimensions through emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. While Nigeria recognizes AI's transformative potential and the significant opportunities it offers, we believe that without appropriate safeguards, its development and use could entrench existing biases and further exacerbate racial discrimination. Despite growing recognition of the link between AI and racial discrimination, this issue still lacks the universal attention and action needed to address it effectively. Earlier this year, the General Assembly adopted the resolution resolution 8250 declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans and the racial channel enslavement of African as grif crime against humanity the legacies of slavery colonialism and historical injustice continue to shape present day inequalities addressing these legacies is not about reopening history but a necessary step to Justice Nigeria therefore calls on member state and other stakeholders to demonstrate concrete and genuine commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Doha Declaration and Programme of Action, including by building stronger national institutions, anti-discriminatory legislations, education and accountability. In conclusion, the success of this commemoration will not be measured by how many meetings we hold or resolutions we pass, but by meaningful impact and improvement in the lives of those who continue to experience racism and racial discrimination. Nigeria once again reaffirms its unequivocal commitment to this collective endeavor of combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related forms of intolerance, and calls for renewed political will and international cooperation to make dignity, equality, and justice a lived reality for all. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Nigeria. Now I invite the representative of Ghana to make a statement.

Mr. President, Heads of Delegations, Excellencies, I commend the United Nations for this special commemoration. 25 years ago, the international community adopted a comprehensive framework to confront racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. The Durban Declaration affirmed our shared responsibility to address historical injustices and dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequality. This solemn day must bring us to a reckoning that what our world needs is decisive action, not more political declarations. It should be of great consternation to us all that 25 years after the Durban Declaration, we still need to remind some people that all men and women are created equal. 25 years after the Durban Declaration, we still have to proclaim that black lives matter. 25 years after Durban, we still seem to watch helplessly as a genocide unfolds in Palestine. with a two-state solution adopted by this Assembly becoming elusive each passing day. Twenty-five years after the Durban Declaration, but we cannot seem to save the people of Sudan. Twenty-five years after the Durban Declaration, but xenophobic attacks have become a recurring feature in South Africa. Twenty-five years after Durban, but this foremost multilateral organization, the United Nations, cannot uphold the principles of Durban by ensuring that Africa, a continent of 1.4 billion people, is guaranteed a permanent seat on the Security Council. The Durban commitments must become reality, not a mere slogan. President John Mahama of Ghana spoke a timeless truth when he stated in this hallowed chamber a few days ago that no race is superior and no nation is inferior. For Ghana, Durban's enduring significance also lies in its recognition that historical injustices continue to shape present inequalities. Reparatory justice is therefore essential to restoring dignity, addressing those inequalities, and building long-lasting trust. In paragraph 13 of the Durban Declaration, the world said slavery should have been a crime against humanity. This year, we removed the "should have been." by resoundingly correcting that historical injustice with the emphatic adoption of the Ghana-led landmark resolution declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans as the gravest crime against humanity. Now we ask for what justice-- Thank you. Now we ask for what justice has always required, an apology that is sincere, return of our cultural heritage, repair for the harm that still lives on, and a promise, a real promise, that it will never, ever happen again. Ghana takes the firm view that there must be severe consequences for those who flagrantly violate the Durban Declaration and commit crimes against humanity. Ghana is therefore strongly opposed to attempts to abolish the International Criminal Court. The ICC should rather be strengthened.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ghana. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the State of Palestine.

Mr. President. Twenty-five years ago, in Durban, the international community made a solemn commitment to confront racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and to uphold the dignity and equality of every human being. The State of Palestine welcomes today's adoption of this political declaration and its reaffirmation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. For the Palestinian people, Durban carries particular significance. 25 years ago, the Durban Declaration expressed concern for the plight of the Palestinian people under foreign occupation. It recognized our inalienable right to self-determination and to the establishment of an independent state, while recognizing the right to security of all states in the region. Instead of realizing their right to self-determination and living in freedom and dignity in their independent state, the Palestinian people continue to endure an unlawful occupation and are confronted with genocide, continued ethnic cleansing, and apartheid. Today's declaration reminds us that colonialism, genocide, apartheid, and slavery have profound and lasting consequences, that racial discrimination, inequality, and displacement demand action, and that historical injustice cannot be overcome through remembrance alone. It requires justice and reparation. Durban must remain a commitment to action for the sake of the victims of the past and the present, and for future generations. We must reject racism and discrimination in all their forms and hatred directed against any people because of their identity, religion, origin or ordeal. We must uphold the universality of human rights without selectivity, exception or double standards. Mr. President, Palestine reaffirms its commitment to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and to equality, justice, and human dignity. 25 years after Durban, our responsibility is clear. The rights affirmed there must not merely be remembered. They must be realized for all peoples without exception, including the Palestinian people. And I thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of the State of Palestine. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Mr. President, at the historic Durban Conference, the leader of the Cuban revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, stated, and I quote, "Racism, racial discrimination, and xenophobia are not naturally instinctive reactions of human beings, but rather a social, cultural and political phenomenon born directly of wars, military conquests, slavery and the individual or collective exploitation of the weakest by the most powerful throughout the history of human society." End of quotation. Now we're seeing advances in xenophobia, discrimination, police brutality, racial profiling, intolerance, and supremacist ideologies, particularly in highly developed countries, targeting people of African descent, religious minorities, migrants, and indigenous peoples. The promise of societies free of discrimination remains on the horizon, as does the need for reparations for the horrors of slavery. The wealthiest nations, which benefited from centuries of conquest, colonization, and the transatlantic slave trade, refuse to assume their historical responsibilities. Some even opposed this Assembly's recognition of the slave trade as the most serious crime against humanity in history. At the same time, the international economic order perpetuates the exclusion of the vast majority and of the Global South. This is what our people have seen with the energy siege, the policy of maximum pressure with the tightened blockade, and continued threats of military aggression by the United States. Cuba is a proudly mixed-race nation whose African heritage and roots are an essential part of our identity. That is the source of much of our determination to be truly free, as well as our creativity and our unwavering resilience in the face of all threats. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ethiopia.

Mr. President, my delegation aligns itself with the statement by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 in China and Burkina Faso on behalf of the Africa Group. We appreciate the PGA for convening this high-level meeting on the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights sets for the protection of fundamental human rights and declares that all human beings are born free and equal. The Ethiopian Constitution adopted this universal principle. Ethiopia had joined hands with all like-minded states in the liberation of movements of African states from colonial subjugation and apartheid. This was informed by the spirit of Pan-Africanism and the victory of the Battle of Adwa, which sparked the drive to ending colonialism. The Pan-Africanism as shared common heritage also influenced the formation of the Organization of the African Unity in 1963. The 2001 World Conference Against Racism was a historic moment in the struggle for the equality of African peoples and people of African descent. Mr. President, on the 4th of October 1963, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia stood before the UN General Assembly and appealed to permanently abandon the false philosophy of racism. He urged for a world where the color of a human skin will be of no more significance than the color of human eyes, and that human rights should equally be guaranteed to all. Six decades after that appear, the world is struggling to find its way out of racially biased, socioeconomic, and political structures that impede the progress of all people. The people of Africa have endured inhuman treatment, beginning from the transatlantic slave trade, colonization, and all their misgivings. In this regard, my delegation recalls the recently adopted resolution on the trafficking of enslaved Africans, tabled by Ghana on behalf of the Africa Group. In conclusion, we are of the view that our collective credibility in addressing racism and racial discrimination is linked to our political will to confront such actors, guided by the Convention on Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ethiopia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bangladesh.

Mr. President, thank you for convening this important meeting. I also thank the facilitators for their hard work on the political declaration. Bangladesh aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China. 25 years ago, the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action made a clear promise: no one should face discrimination based on race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin. Unfortunately, the world is far from achieving that goal. The DPA remains a vital framework. for Combating Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance. Bangladesh reaffirms its commitment to its full and effective implementation. As a diverse and developing country, Bangladesh is committed to equality, non-discrimination, human rights and the dignity of all. Guided by our commitment to transformative change, Our government is working to build a country free from poverty, hunger, exploitation, and discrimination. We are strengthening accountable governance and promoting the rights, dignity, and participation of women and marginalized communities. The recent launch of the Women-Centered Family Card and support for religious and ethnic communities are examples of this commitment. Mr. Preston, Bangladesh underscores the need to address historical and structural inequalities connected to slavery, colonialism, and other injustices. The responses must be people-centered, emphasizing justice, education, development, and international cooperation. We call for strong protection of the rights of migrants, refugees, forcibly displaced persons, minorities, women, children, and people in vulnerable situations. We must ensure that affected communities, including women and youth, are heard and meaningfully engaged in policymaking. We must all work together to ensure that new technologies promote sustainable development and counter, not proliferate, hatred and incitement to violence. The rapid development of AI confronts the world with both opportunities and threats. We need safe, secure, human rights-respecting AI with safeguards to ensure equality and non-discrimination. Bangladesh attaches great importance to international cooperation and multilateralism. We call on all States to strengthen cooperation with each other and with the United Nations and civil society. In conclusion, I reiterate Bangladesh's commitment to a world where diversity and dignity for all.

I thank the distinguished representative of Bangladesh. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of The Gambia.

The delegation of The Gambia welcomes the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the principles and objectives enshrined in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and its subsequent review and anniversary declaration. The Durban framework represents an important international commitment to confront racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance in all their forms. It recognizes that these challenges are deeply rooted in historical, social, and cultural inequalities, and therefore require sustainable international cooperation and collective action. The Gambia reaffirms its commitment to leaving no one behind in advancing the 2023 agenda through international cooperation and multilateralism. We recognize that addressing inequality, discrimination, racism, xenophobia, hate speech, and intolerance require collective action and renewed commitment to human rights, equality, and sustainable development. Excellencies, across regions, We are witnessing troubling increase in xenophobia, anti-migrant sentiments, and racially motivated violence. The Gambia welcomes the progress made in combating racism and related intolerance. However, we remain concerned that these challenges persist in many parts of the world. We therefore call for renewed commitment and stronger collective action to address all forms of discrimination effectively and ensure that every individual can enjoy their rights and dignity. The Gambia welcomes the Second International Decade for People of African Descent as an important opportunity to advance recognition, justice, and development. The Gambia remains steadfast in strengthening national laws against discrimination, advancing justice reforms, and promoting inclusive education. To protect migrants and refugees within our borders, we continue to work with regional and international partners to protect vulnerable communities and foster peaceful coexistence. Our constituents obliges us to ensure that every person, Gambian and non-Gambian, enjoys equal protection and respect. Furthermore, the Gambia supports strengthened cooperation among states, the United Nations system, and all relevant stakeholders to eliminate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. We also emphasize the importance of adequate resources and continued support for United Nations human rights mechanisms, including the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, and to ensure effective implementation of their mandate. The DDPA reminds us of the enduring legacies of colonialism, slavery, apartheid and systemic racism. The Gambia underscores the importance of addressing this historical injustice through inclusive development, dialogue on reparatory justice, and empowerment of people of African descent worldwide. The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action remains a beacon of hope, a reminder that humanity falls.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Gambia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of India.

Excellencies, the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action is an occasion not only for reflection, but also for renewing our collective resolve to eliminate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Modern history bears witness to the immense suffering inflicted by doctrines of racial superiority, particularly through colonialism, slavery, and associated practices. While considerable progress has been achieved, these prejudices have not disappeared. They are resurfacing in new forms and are being amplified by digital platforms and emerging technologies. We are particularly concerned by the growing incidence of racist and xenophobic rhetoric directed against migrants and persons of foreign origin. Indians abroad, including students, professionals and workers, have also faced racial stereotyping, abuse and, in some cases, violence. Educational institutions, public discourse and digital spaces must foster mutual respect rather than normalize racial prejudice or hostility. States and digital platforms must act responsibly to prevent incitement to racial hatred and ensure accountability for racially motivated violence. India recently underwent its 21st to 23rd periodic review by the Committee of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. India encouraged constructive engagement with the states confronting such trends and practical assistance to translate their obligations under the convention into effective national responses. Mahatma Gandhi's values continue to guide India's unwavering commitment to combating discrimination. Our constitution guarantees equality, prohibits discrimination on grounds including race, and provides safeguards for historically disadvantaged communities. India's multi-ethnic, multilingual, and multi-religious society demonstrates that diversity can be a source of strength. Effective implementation of the Durban Declaration requires education against racial prejudice, stronger national institutions, effective remedies for victims, and international cooperation supported by capacity building, finance, knowledge, and technology. Chair, humanity cannot advance through racial exclusion or notions of superiority. India will continue to support concrete, nationally led and internationally coordinated measures for the full and effective implementation of the Durban Declaration.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of India. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mauritania.

Mr. President, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to participate on behalf of Mauritania in this high-level meeting on the occasion of the 25th anniversary since the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, we reiterate our firm commitment to address racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, since their adoption in 2001, have represented an important international framework to establish equality, dignity, and to protect the victims of discrimination, and to affirm the responsibility to address the historical reasons for injustice. Mr. President, Mauritania believes that addressing racism is not achieved through texts alone, but it requires public policies that are inclusive and that guarantee practical equality in enjoying rights and addressing the reasons for marginalization and that promote social justice and equal opportunity. In this context, my country has continued to develop its legislative framework for the protection of human rights. and has developed policies that aim to address all forms of discrimination and to address the legacy of slavery and human trafficking, and promoting access to social, cultural, and economic rights, including basic services, in particular, that benefit the most vulnerable segments. Mauritania has also adopted the National Strategy for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights 2024 to 2028 as a framework to coordinate public policy in the area of human rights with the aim of firmly establishing the principles of equality, non-discrimination, justice, and the rule of law. We particularly believe in An education that promotes human rights and that promotes tolerance and acceptance of the other and strengthens the social fabric. Education is a necessary instrument in protecting against these scourges. Mr. President, the 25th anniversary -- the microphone has been cut off.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mauritania. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Singapore.

Mr. President, Madam Deputy Secretary-General, well, she just stepped out. 25 years ago, the international community came together in Durban and made a solemn commitment to confront racism, discrimination and intolerance. Today, that commitment is being tested more severely than at any juncture since 2001. Old prejudices are taking new ways to take root, as technology has been exploited as a tool to sow dissent, division and suspicion. It is precisely in this context that the Durban Declaration's call to action matters most. We must not let fear harden into hatred. History has shown us where that path leads. For Singapore, this is not an abstract concern. It is existential. We are a small, densely populated nation of immigrants, multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and highly interconnected. From our earliest days of independence, our leaders understood that survival depended on building something together. That conviction is enshrined in our National Pledge, adopted in 1966, to build a united nation and I quote, "regardless of race, language or religion". The harmony that Singapore enjoys today did not happen by accident. It is the result of decades of deliberate, sustained effort. Our Constitution affirms that all are equal before the law, regardless of race, language or religion. We regularly review our laws and policies to strengthen cohesion. Last year, we introduced a new Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act, adding community-based measures that strengthen reconciliation and bridge-building before tensions arise. Our public policies are designed to maximise the spaces where Singaporeans of different backgrounds live, learn and work together. We also partner with businesses, social enterprises and youth to run dialogues, ground-up projects and community events to foster social cohesion. These are the daily interactions to build mutual trust, respect and acceptance, brick by brick, year by year. Yet we know the work is never finished. Technology and AI have made it easier than ever to spread and amplify content that is designed to divide us. No country is immune, Singapore included. Singapore's response has been to combine firm legal safeguards, swift powers to act against harmful content wherever it originates, with sustained everyday investment in the dialogue that keeps trust between our races and faiths strong. Because when we choose to respect our differences and build genuine bridges, our societies grow stronger because of that diversity, not in spite of it. Mr. President, no country has all the answers. But we believe...

I thank the distinguished representative of Singapore. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Excellencies, Distinguished delegates, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. At the outset, allow me to thank the President of the General Assembly for convening this meeting, as well as the permanent representatives of Brunei Darussalam and Zimbabwe for their hard work throughout the negotiations of the political declaration considered adopted today. The Group of 77 and China has remained firmly committed to its foundational opposition to all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. As the core group presenting the annual resolution on the follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, we have a demonstrated history of commitment and support to this seminal and fundamental process. This high-level meeting convened to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action offers an important opportunity to reaffirm its enduring significance as a landmark framework in our collective commitment to combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, and strengthen global support for the DPA and its implementation. The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action is not only about combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. It is also about improving education and awareness, fighting poverty and marginalization, securing inclusive and sustainable development, reducing inequalities and respecting, protecting and promoting the human rights of all persons. Its relevance is further strengthened by the recognized nexus between combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance and the achievement of sustainable development. The group also underscores the fundamental need to eliminate persistent historical and structural inequalities, particularly affecting women and girls, people of African descent, indigenous peoples, as well as local communities, including by acknowledging, addressing, and taking effective measures to remedy past tragedies and their consequences, such as affirmative policies and reparatory justice, and to eradicate all forms of discrimination. Moreover, in order to effectively eliminate racism and racial discrimination and eradicate negative stereotypes, we must educate today's children and young people about the history of racism and racial discrimination and their impacts, ensuring that future generations do not carry the weight of the past, either by perpetuating these harmful practices or by suffering their consequences. We remain deeply concerned about the alarming resurgence of all forms of racism in societies and call upon States to combat and oppose all forms of racism, including hate speech and religious intolerance, online and offline, worldwide, in line with the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. It is also important to recognize the modern elements shaping racism and racial discrimination. Today, technology is developing at an unprecedented pace, while social media enables messages of hatred to spread at alarming speed, alongside misinformation and disinformation, increasingly amplified by artificial intelligence. New technologies can be extremely beneficial for sustainable development if used responsibly. We must work together to ensure that new developments contribute to a better world and do not perpetuate or exacerbate existing and structural inequalities. Mr. President, we will never achieve peaceful, just, and inclusive societies until we all begin to see and treat one another with equity. In this regard, I wish to conclude by reaffirming the group's unwavering commitment to the global fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malawi.

Malawi aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Africa Group and the G77 and China. Twenty-five years after Durban, the Declaration remains the most comprehensive international framework for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. While progress has been made, these scourges continue to undermine peace, humanity, human dignity, social cohesion and sustainable socio-economic development. Their persistence reminds us that the objectives of the Durban Declaration are as relevant today as they were in 2001. Mr. President, recent events have demonstrated that xenophobia and racism remain a serious global challenge. Earlier this year, thousands of Malawian nationals were affected by xenophobic threats and violence, forcing many to abandon their homes, livelihoods, and businesses. The Government of Malawi undertook an extensive humanitarian and diplomatic response to facilitate a safe, orderly, and dignified voluntary retire, while engaging constructively with the regional partners in southern Africa to protect affected citizens and ensure safe transit. Mr. President, as Africa advances the vision of Agenda 2063, The free movement of people must be accompanied by a collective commitment to protect migrants from violence, discrimination and exploitation. No African should live in fear because of his or her nationality. The international community must also remain vigilant against emerging forms of racism and discrimination, including those amplified through digital platforms and new technologies. The principles enshrined in the Durban Declaration should guide our collective response to these evolving challenges. We, therefore, in conclusion, reaffirm our commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, and to strengthen international cooperation in eliminating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in all their manifestations.

I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Malawi. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zambia.

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, today we mark the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, a landmark global commitment to confront racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance in all their forms and manifestations. As we gather today to commemorate The adoption of this landmark declaration allow me to express my deep gratitude for the courage of the international community to name and confront what unjustly and disproportionately affects millions of people, particularly those of African descent. Indeed, the DDPA remains one of the most comprehensive and courageous frameworks ever adopted by the international community in its pursuit of equality, dignity, and justice for all. Yet, as we mark this important milestone, my gratitude is contrasted with profound sadness and sober reflection. This anniversary does not merely signify the passage of time, but it painfully reveals that we are 25 years late in achieving what is and should be the most basic expression of our shared humanity, the universal recognition and inherent respect for human dignity. Mr. President, An analysis of the Durban Declaration reveals that not only a moral vision, but a damning litany of the sources, causes, contemporary manifestations, and enduring consequences of racism and intolerance. Wisely, it remains from assigning blame, choosing instead of the higher path of collective responsibility and shared resolve for elimination of these scourges. It calls upon us to heal, to restore, and to rebuild fair and just societies grounded in equality. And yet, we must ask ourselves with honesty and urgency, what must it take for the international community to move decisively from rhetoric to reality? Perhaps progress has been hindered because the moral imperative to act rests solely on goodwill, and so it must. Coercion cannot and will not produce lasting peace or justice, and neither can complacency or selective commitment. True transformation demands sustained political will, accountability, resources, and above all, courage. The courage to confront uncomfortable truths and ultimately dismantle entrenched systems of inequality. Mr. President. The essence of the DDPA was never condemnation, but restoration. It sought to bring healing to historical wounds and to prevent their repetition. Today, as racism, xenophobia, and intolerance continue to persist and manifest in both old and new forms, we are once again confronted with the efficacy of our collective will. Let the 25th anniversary not be a moment of ceremonial remembrance alone.

I thank the distinguished representative of Zambia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Trinidad and Tobago.

Trinidad and Tobago joins with the other concerned UN member states in applauding the efforts that have been made so far in highlighting the enduring structural and cultural influence of the transatlantic slave trade, which continues to exacerbate issues of inequality, underdevelopment, marginalization, and socioeconomic disparity throughout the developing world. As we mark the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, I remind that Trinidad and Tobago proudly stands as a small but incredibly dynamic multicultural state with a unique sociopolitical and ethnic harmony. This is anchored in our constitution, which guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, origin, or sex. In the spirit of the Durban Declaration mandate in 1985, Trinidad and Tobago was the first nation to proclaim a national holiday to commemorate the end of African enslavement through the celebration of African Emancipation Day. Trinidad and Tobago is also the first nation to declare a national holiday to commemorate the struggles of the spiritual Baptist community. This is nestled comfortably in a national calendar that also acknowledges the Hindu, Islamic, and Christian communities, which also exist due to the cut and thrust of the colonial era. The multicultural lines that are woven together to form a unique Trinbagonian tapestry compels our continued advocacy for action as outlined in the CARICOM's revised 10-point plan for reparatory justice and in furtherance of the full and effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. Mr. President, as I conclude, As we can and as we continue to commend the good work that has resulted from Durban, we acknowledge the need for strengthened efforts to achieve global equality and heal the wounds of the past. For Trinidad and Tobago, we continue to strive to live by the words of our national anthem. Here, every creed and race find an equal place. I thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Trinidad and Tobago. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Mr. President, 25 years after the adoption of Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, its message remains as relevant as ever. Tanzania reaffirms its commitment to the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in all their forms. Despite progress, millions of people continue to face discrimination that denies them dignity, equality, and opportunity. New technologies and digital platforms must not become new channels for old prejudice. For Africa, the struggle against racial discrimination cannot be separated from the enduring legacy of slavery, the slave trade, colonialism, and apartheid. Their consequences continue to be reflected in inequalities within and among nations. Recognition of these historical injustices must therefore be accompanied by meaningful action. Tanzania supports constructive international engagement on reparatory justice and return of the cultural property, historical artifacts, and documents to their countries of origin, consistent with international law and agreed framework. Mr. President, Tanzania national identity is founded on unity, equality, and respect for human dignity. We are proud of our historic contribution to Africa's liberation and struggle against colonialism and apathy. At home, we have managed to overcome the colonial legacy of racism. The painstaking national building project we embarked on immediately after independence has paid off handsomely. Tanzania is today home to four races, at least three major world religions, and 120 tribes, weaved and lived together as one and speak one language, Swahili. We all regard ourselves as Tanzanians first and everything else second. Tanzania experience shows that it is possible, doable and achievable. And it's why we welcome the second International Decade for the People of African Descent as an opportunity to advance recognitions, justice and development. Mr. President, 25 years after Durban, our task is not to restate the promise of equality, but to deliver it. Let this anniversary move us from declaration to implementation, from acknowledgement to justice, and from inherited inequalities to a future shared dignity and equal opportunity. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Republic of Tanzania. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Tunisia.

At the outset, I wish first and foremost to congratulate you on this 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. This is an important means of attainment of our common objective, namely combating racial discrimination and related forms of intolerance. Racism is not merely limited to traditional forms of prejudice. Today, we are bearing witness to discrimination within the working environment, within schools, and with the use of AI. In our international level response, we have a duty to take into consideration all of these components. Tunisia, in 2001, participated in the summit, a summit which resulted in the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. And we all were among the first states to adopt tangible measures in order to combat slavery. In 2018, UNESCO inscribed our program of fighting against slavery as part of the global memory program. At the national level, we have adopted a number of laws, laws geared towards combating racism. Our Tunisian constitution sheds light on equality in rights amongst citizens. Mr. President, Combating racism also requires that we tackle the root causes of this scourge and the historical causes thereof. Fighting against slavery and colonialism requires a recognition of the ramifications and repercussions thereof, and that these issues be incorporated into all programs, both at the national and international levels. For this reason, Tunisia renews its commitment to the declaration and the Djerba Declaration and Program of Action. We also wish to underscore the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and the fight of the Palestinian people to restore these rights. We call upon the international community to shore up monitoring mechanisms for the Djerba Program of Action, inter alia, through tangible measures, first and foremost, equality and access to education and healthcare. Second, fighting against hate speech. And third, fighting against certain practices, and specifically the use of artificial intelligence and digital platforms for spreading hate speech. We need to continue to provide, to undertake efforts. The microphone was cut off.

I thank the distinguished representative of Tunisia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Jamaica on behalf of the Caribbean Community.

Mr. President, I do have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the 14 member states of the Caribbean Community, and we align with the statement of G77 and China. CARICOM recognizes that while there has been some progress in its implementation since 2001, Much of the DDPAs promise remains unrealized and lacks the political will needed to unlock its true potential. As the most comprehensive international framework for addressing racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, the DDPAs must continue to underpin our efforts in creating a fairer and more equitable world. We should not only proclaim that all human beings are equal in dignity and rights, but also demonstrate it. Today, we must regrettably acknowledge that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance remain pervasive across the world. In some contexts, these manifestations have intensified and are increasingly amplified through digital technologies, including artificial intelligence systems. These contemporary challenges require a comprehensive and coordinated response, underpinned by decisive action by governments, private sector actors, and other relevant stakeholders to prevent and combat technology-facilitated racism and discrimination. Mr. President, CARICOM believes that in addressing our present challenges, we cannot diminish or overlook the significant impact of the legacies of the past. People of African descent continue to face the significant barriers to their advancement and development. deep-rooted structural and systemic racism continue to impede their full and equal participation in their societies, underscoring the urgent need for sustained efforts to dismantle the systems and practices that perpetuate inequality and discrimination. The persistence of racism against people of African descent is not coincidental. It is rooted in the historical injustices perpetrated against them during colonialism and the transatlantic trafficking in enslaved Africans, crimes against humanity recognized in the DDPA for which no remedy has yet been provided. The United Nations declared in March of this year the trafficking of enslaved Africans and their racialized chattel enslavement as the gravest crime against humanity. CARICOM welcomes this long overdue recognition and the renewed momentum it has generated for the global reparatory justice movement. In July of this year, CARICOM launched its revised 10-point plan for reparatory justice. This updated plan builds on the previous iteration and provides a comprehensive framework for repairing the socioeconomic, cultural, psychological, and political legacies of the period of the transatlantic trafficking in enslaved Africans, native genocide, and colonization of our countries. It recognizes the persistent ills that the descendants of victims continue to face and presents a clear path forward to remedy these wrongs, including through a formal apology, restitution, compensation, and rehabilitation. CARICOM welcomes the proclamation of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent and sees it as an important opportunity to finally achieve recognition, justice, and development for people of African descent. Caricom calls upon all states to renew their commitment to the full and effective implementation of the DDPA and to translate that commitment into meaningful action. Mobilizing global public support for the implementation of the DDPA is fundamentally a call to advance human rights, dignity, equality and justice for all. Let us reaffirm our shared commitment to building a world in which every person, regardless of race, ethnic origin or nationality, is empowered to realize their full potential. We bear a collective responsibility to advance this vision, not only for ourselves, but for current and future generations. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Caribbean Community, Jamaica. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Philippines.

Colleagues, the Philippines aligns itself with the statement of the G77 and China. We welcome this opportunity to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the DDP and reaffirm its enduring relevance to our shared pursuit of racial justice, equality, and human dignity. The DDP made clear discrimination is not only a matter of individual prejudice. It can be embedded in structures, institutions, and policies that perpetuate inequality and exclusion. 25 years on, this message remains urgent. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed how quickly inequalities can deepen. It also fueled hate speech, violence, and discrimination against Asians, migrants, and other marginalized communities. We have seen similar vulnerabilities emerge in other crises. Political, economic, social, and natural crisis can fuel anti-migrant narratives and hostility. Migrants may be unfairly blamed for challenges whose causes are far more complex. Such narratives can spread rapidly through traditional and social media, shape public discourse, and influence policy. We must break this cycle. Vulnerable communities must not become convenient scapegoats in times of crisis or otherwise. We must also confront emerging challenges. Digital platforms and artificial intelligence can amplify hate speech, disinformation, and harmful stereotypes at unprecedented speed. Algorithms can reproduce existing biases in employment, education, and health care. Technology must be a force for equality, not a multiplier of discrimination. The Philippines remains concerned about discrimination against migrants. We reaffirm that migrants must be treated with humanity and dignity, protected from violence and discrimination, and recognized for their contributions to host societies. Excellencies, The task before us is certain, effective implementation. The DTPA must translate into stronger laws and institutions, accountability, meaningful participation and action against structural inequalities. Let this 25th anniversary renew our commitment to recognition, justice and equality. Let us turn the Durban vision into sustained action so that solidarity prevails over scapegoating, dignity over discrimination, and equality over exclusion. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Philippines. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Oman.

Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, may the peace of God and his blessings be upon you, the Sultanate of Oman. participates alongside the international community in this 25th commemoration of the DDPA, and we confirm our commitment internationally to fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and intolerance, which is associated with it. We support efforts to strengthen the legality of mutual respect and human dignity. 25 years on from the adoption of this international framework, our common responsibility is not limited today to simply renewing the principles, but to take specific action that will have a real impact on the daily lives of people. In order to ensure that racism does not become a source of division, the Sultanate of Oman is convinced that prevention begins with the human being. It begins with respecting diversity, strengthening trust and dialogue. We also need an effective partnership between states, institutions and society. The religious institutions and communities and people must participate in this process to reinforce social cohesion. Mr. President, dialogue and coexistence have always been basic principles for the Sultanate of Oman, and that is why we have taken national and international initiatives to promote the message of peace and human coalition, and the Muscat Declaration that was adopted in July in the United Nations to strengthen the role played by indigenous communities in fighting hate speech and to fight genocide and atrocities and to work towards a just and lasting peace. This is why we would stress the need to strengthen multilateral action and also regionally in order to benefit from all experiences and strengthen the participation of young people So turning those common actions into something that has real impact, we for our part will continue to adopt an approach. The speaker's microphone has been cut off.

I thank the distinguished representative of Oman. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Qatar.

Mr. President, the State of Qatar continues to undertake tireless efforts with the aim of strengthening the principles of coexistence and to combat racial discrimination. I would highlight a number of initiatives as well as commemorations and training activities and awareness raising, which call for coexistence as a key principle within Qatari and Islamic culture, I wish to share with you information about a pioneering institution. This is the International Doha Center for Interreligious Dialogue. This center plays an important role in the promotion of understanding as well as peaceful coexistence and for bridge building amongst religions and cultures. And we wish to thank you for this meeting, and we applaud the tireless efforts undertaken by the two facilitators, the Permanent Representatives of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Buna Dar es Salaam, the State of Qatar once again reaffirms our support for the DDPA, and we wish to reiterate our compliance with the most stringent international norms in terms of respect for human rights for all societal strata, this is a priority for us, and this is reflected in our constitutional legislative system, which enshrines the principles of human rights, of basic freedoms, as well as guarantees respects thereof. Our constitution reiterates the importance of equality, non-discrimination, as well as tolerance and cultural diversity. We also have a legislative framework which guarantees respect for human rights, including combating racial discrimination and hate speech, and we also adopted a number of national laws to combat discrimination and to enshrine the principles of equality and non-discrimination. Our Qatar 2030 vision reiterates the importance of interfaith coexistence and cross-cultural coexistence, and we also acceded to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. We also stand in compliance with our obligation the related obligations. Mr. President, we have a political and legislative framework. And this framework is rooted in the constitution. We also have adopted the 22-- Law 22/22 on persons with disabilities. And this law guarantees respect for their rights as well as their integration within society. The Qatar 2030 vision and the strategy of the Ministry for Social Development and Family for 2025 to 2030 is entitled Empowerment. And this guides the efforts of the state to proof of social cohesion, empowerment of women, and their integration within society. The State of Qatar hosted the Second International Summit for Social Development in 2025. This was a turning point in the delivery of support for international efforts in the protection of and for social protections, as well as to fight against the marginalization. The microphone has been cut.

I thank the distinguished representative of Qatar. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria.

Thank you, Mr. President. We are meeting today after 25 years after the adoption of the DDPA, and this is not a meeting just to commemorate those international documents, but to add to this commitment of humanity in its entirety. Equality must not just be a slogan. The color of one's skin must not be a reason for inequality. Racism, it doesn't just come out of nowhere. As Nelson Mandela said, "Everyone Everyone is born and does not begin hating people because of their religion or their skin color. We have to work together to make sure that racism is not passed from generation to generation. Algeria believes that honouring the Durban Declaration must be based on three principles. First of all, we must adopt a structural global approach for reparation justice. That justice is not a punishment for what has happened in the past, it is an investment in the future. It is a voice for reconciliation, respect and legality. The digital age gives us even more opportunities to respond to inequality and discrimination in a way not seen before. We have an immense responsibility to ensure that technology will ensure respect for human beings and not be used to violate human rights. And thirdly, the fight against discrimination must not be selective. The dignity of the individual is the same for all people. Human rights also are the same for all people. We refuse the injustice. We have to reject injustice. And as part of this commemoration of the 25 years since the signing of the Durban Declaration, our message must be clear, namely that we want to have comprehensive support, justice without any exceptions, as that's part of our vision in Algeria. measures to ensure that this promise and the spirit of the Conference of Durban is respected. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Algeria. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.

Distinguished colleagues, Mr. President. One quarter ago, with the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, we saw a milestone take place in the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related forms of intolerance. We reaffirm our commitment to this declaration and on an annual basis through the resolution which we advance on an annual basis at the General Assembly on Combating Glorification of Nazism. As a multinational and multi-faith state, Russia believes that equality, mutual respect, cultural diversity, these are the bedrock of sustainable development. Today, 25 years later, it behooves us to note the fact that the world has not rid itself of intolerance, and racism and xenophobia are assuming new, more sophisticated forms. It is with great alarm that we are observing the dangerous growth in various regions of the world of neo-Nazism, intolerance, and ideologies linked to racial and national prejudices. We are particularly concerned by the fact that so-called old democracies, under the pretext of freedom of speech, have now are now refusing to combat this scourge, and this is inadmissible. A major destabilizing factor emanates from attempts to impose the notion of civilized exceptionalism, the conduct of neo-colonialist revanchism, as well as divisions on the basis of national, cultural, religious, and other grounds. Such destructive actions constitute breaches of international law and undermine the very essence of the Durban process and its outcome documents. We embrace the ideals of the Durban Declaration. Our eyes are turned towards the future. Russia is linked to Africa by decades of time-tested friendship and mutual trust. We always stand on the side of our African friends and peoples in their just aspiration to independence, economic sovereignty, and equal rights. Today, the strategic partnership between Russia and our African partners is entering a principled new stage milestone in this context will be the conduct in Moscow on 28 to 29 October of the third Russia-Africa Summit, during which there will be a large-scale economic and humanitarian forum focused on shoring up food security, technological sovereignty, as well as links and ties in the area of education, healthcare, and culture. To conclude, I wish to emphasize that the preservation and amplification of the heritage of 2001 can be done through joint efforts alone. We urge the international community to eschew politicization of human rights and the practice of double standards. We believe that eradication of racial discrimination is possible only through equitable intergovernmental dialogue and respect of the rights of all to their own independent path for development and strict compliance with the provisions of the Durban Declaration and Program of Action. Thank you for your attention.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Namibia.

Mr. President, Namibia aligns with the statement delivered on behalf of the African Group, the Group of 77, and China. Namibia marks the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action with moral and legal authority born out of our people's experience of colonialism, genocide, institutionalized racism, and apartheid. Our constitution and laws have been deliberately framed to reject such injustices. Accordingly, racial discrimination and apartheid are punishable by law, while the rights of those disadvantaged by the past discriminatory law are actively advanced. Distinguished delegate, Namibia reaffirm the Durban Declaration and the Programme of Action as authoritative and international framework for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. As such, we condemn all effort to tolerate, deny or trivialize privileged racism. At the same time, freedom of expression must not be invoked to undermine this framework. Legitimate debate and advocacy of racial hatred are fundamentally different from one another. Therefore, we call on all Member States to ensure that protections of freedom of expression are accompanied by safeguards grounded in legality, necessity and proportionality, consistent with the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech. We further commend Member States that have adopted comprehensive legislation, national action plan or strategy to combat racism. Excellencies, the consequences of colonialism and domination did not end with political independence. To this day, Racism and related intolerance persist in every region, including through misuse of information and communication technology. While we welcome artificial intelligence as a tool for advancing human development, we must ensure that its development and use do not perpetuate or amplify racism, racial discrimination, or related forms of intolerance. Moreover, historical injustice rooted particularly in racism and racial discrimination continue to contribute to poverty and underdevelopment, marginalization, inequality, and insecurity in developing countries. The international community must therefore support lawful affirmative measures, positive action policies, development programs, and equitable cooperation that advance social and economic development. and when we made historical crime against humanity, just as.

Apartheid--

I thank the distinguished representative of Namibia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait.

Mr. President, your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the state of Kuwait affirms on the occasion of 25 years since the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action its commitment to address discrimination, racism, xenophobia, and related intolerance. We are also committed to the principles of non-discrimination, equality, and the protection of the dignity of everyone without exception. My country also welcomes the adoption of the political declaration on this occasion. The declaration is a renewed affirmation of the international community's commitment to address these phenomena and to accelerate the efforts that aim to fully implement the programme of action. The State of Kuwait believes that the Durban declaration and program of action remain an important reference and framework to galvanize efforts in this regard, in addition to the pivotal role of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination as a leading instrument to address racism, racial discrimination, and related intolerance. Mr. President, despite the progress achieved in recent years, racism, discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance remain alive and take new forms, whether in person or in cyberspace. This requires the need to continue our international efforts to address these phenomena in all their forms. The State of Kuwait also reiterates the need to address the root causes of discrimination and inequality. We must invest in education and outreach and the promotion of a culture of tolerance and mutual respect. Mr. President, Addressing racism is a collective responsibility that requires renewed political commitment and effective cooperation and the participation of international community and national institutions and all stakeholders. Accordingly, the State of Kuwait reiterates its commitment to support international efforts aimed at the full and effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, as well as to building a world of equality and mutual respect without leaving anyone behind. Thank you, Mr. President.

The Distinguished Representative of the State of Kuwait. I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Indonesia.

Mr. President, 20 years after Durban, the promise to eradicate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance remains unfulfilled. The DDPA gave the international community a comprehensive framework to confront these injustices, but the framework is only as strong as our willingness to implement it. For Indonesia, this struggle carries a deeper historical meaning. The 1955 Asian-African Conference in Bandung affirmed the equality of all races and nations. It rejected racial discrimination and helped inspire a powerful movement that enabled nations to break free from the shackles of colonialism. It reminds us that the struggle for freedom is also a struggle for equality and dignity. The same conviction carried forward to Durban and remains relevant today. Racism and discrimination, when left unaddressed, will deepen divisions and fuel conflict and instability. In the digital era, platforms that bring people together can also amplify hate speech, prejudice and discrimination. Our actions must go beyond declarations. We need to translate national frameworks and action plans into concrete measures. Prevention is equally important. Education has a critical role in breaking cycles of hatred while fostering respect for cultural diversity across generations. At the same time, we also cannot build an equal future without addressing manifestations of racism and the enduring legacies of racism and discrimination. Addressing these legacies is essential to strengthen social cohesion and overcoming inequalities. Mr. President, these efforts must be supported by stronger multilateral cooperation that is capable of upholding equality for all. The message from Bandung to Durban remains clear that no race is superior and no nation is lesser. 20 years after Durban, what we need is not another promise. We need a stronger political will to ensure that the promise of Durban is fulfilled. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cambodia.

Mr. Chair, 25 years after the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, Its central message remains as compelling as ever. Every human being is born free and equal in dignity and rights. Yet the position of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance reminds us that equality is proclaimed in law is not always equality and choice in practice. Where discrimination persists, the rule of law is weakened, social cohesion is undermined, and sustainable development is held back. The DUBAI Declaration recognized that formal equality alone is not enough. Eliminating discrimination requires more than legal provision. It requires inclusive institutions, equal opportunities, and a sustained commitment to removing the barriers that perpetuate exclusion. 25 years later, the challenge is not to define these principles, but to make them effective in people's lives. Cambodia remains firmly committed to that endeavor. Equality and non-discrimination is guaranteed by our constitution and embedded in law, policies and institutions. We continue to promote peaceful coexistence, intercultural and interfaith dialogue, recognising that lasting inclusion depends not only on legislation, but also on education, mutual understanding and respect. We are further strengthening our national human rights framework, including efforts to establish a national human rights institution in accordance with this principle. President, the principle has not changed, but the context has. Today, prejudice increasingly finds expression through online hate speech, harmful stereotypes, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. Our promise must therefore be to translate the established principle into life reality. Every month, this 25th anniversary, that renews our determination to deliver on the promise of the Durban Declaration. The credibility of international human rights system will ultimately be measured not by principle it proclaimed, but by the protection it affords and those who continues to face discrimination and exclusion. Cambodia is to work with our partners and to share its experience and good practice in promoting equality, strengthening social cohesion, fostering intercultural understanding and protecting vulnerable and minority communities. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cambodia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union.

Mr. President, I begin by expressing our thanks to Brunei Darussalam and Zimbabwe for facilitating the process bringing us here together. They have done so with evenhandedness in a contested context, and we wish to place on record our appreciation for their work. The need to eliminate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance is among the most serious challenges in the contemporary world. This is something on which all Member States of the United Nations should be able to agree and pull together. The EU's Anti-Racism Action Plan is a concrete reaffirmation of our own commitment. Dear colleagues, after 25 years of efforts, there is much still to do. Too many people still face racism and discrimination in their daily lives. This must change. For the European Union, addressing this scourge is a fundamental priority because we were founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights, which must be guaranteed to all without discrimination of any kind. And this is why the EU has progressively built a comprehensive legal and policy framework to combat racism and related forms of hatred and discrimination. The latest expression of this is the EU Anti-Racism Strategy 2026-2030, developed in partnership with civil society. The European Union is unwaveringly focused on advancing the multilateral anti-racism agenda. This work goes hand in hand with the fight against anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim and anti-Christian hatred, and all other forms of discrimination. We remain firmly committed to the primary objectives and commitments undertaken at the 2001 Durban World Conference to combat and eradicate all manifestations of racism, xenophobia, and related intolerance. And we have also engaged constructively on related work streams, such as the second International Decade for Peoples of African Descent. I take this opportunity to thank Mozambique for its role of facilitating of consultations on the program of activities. Colleagues, we will not succeed unless our efforts remain firmly anchored in international human rights law. So in closing. I reiterate the importance of universal ratification and effective implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the universal foundation for a concerted and concrete approach to preventing and eradicating racism once and for all. Thank you.

I thank the representative, the distinguished representative of the European Union. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan.

Thank you, Chair. Distinguished participants, it is an honor to speak today on the occasion of this high-level meeting commemorating the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and the Programme of Action. Reaffirming the spirit of the 2001 Durban Conference, Japan pays tribute to the efforts of all States and individuals that have worked in good faith over the past 25 years through the Durban process to uphold and advance unity against racism. All States must continue to take concrete measures to combat and eliminate all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, including anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and Christianophobia. The Durban process must not create new divisions or confrontations among states and peoples. Rather, it must protect the human rights and the dignity of all and promote mutual understanding and tolerance. It is important to remain true to the original purpose of this meeting, set aside particular political agendas, and ensure that the international community unites around shared objectives and continue to engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation. Chair, in keeping with the Constitution of Japan and the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Japan remains committed to striving toward a society free from discrimination of any kind, including on the basis of race or ethnicity, where every individual is respected and can reach their full potential. The government continues to promote respect for diversity in culture, religion, and lifestyle, and combat intolerance. In 2025, Japan adopted the second basic plan for human rights education and awareness raising. The plan identifies hate speech as an important human rights issue and promotes efforts through human rights education and awareness raising activities to spread the awareness that hate speech will not be tolerated. Japan is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities alongside the international community towards achieving our shared goal of eliminating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Now more than ever, the international community must unite to realize the noble objective of the declaration. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Japan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Lesotho.

Mr. President, when the international community gathered in Durban, South Africa, a quarter of a century ago, it did so with a shared solemn conviction that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerances are a direct assault on our common humanity. The DDPA remains to this day the most comprehensive international framework designed to combat these social ills, address deep-seated historical injustices, promote equality, and secure concrete remedies for victims. Lesotho acknowledges the progress made by some countries. However, the stark reality is that, across every region of the globe, we are witnessing deeply troubling resurgences of racial discrimination, xenophobia, hate speech, and institutional exclusion. The struggle against these forces is not a relic of history. It is a critical day-to-day contemporary imperative that threatens social cohesion. We must therefore stand firm in our resolve to denounce and combat racism in all its forms, wherever it rears its head. Mr. President, Lesotho further remains deeply concerned by the enduring legacy of systemic racism which leaves millions of people of African descent disproportionately targeted by biased state architectures, racial profiling, and law enforcement violence. We therefore call for dismantling of these structural obstacles. Mr. President, effective implementation of the DDPA requires strengthened international cooperation, targeted technical assistance, robust and disaggregated data collection, institutional capacity building, and clear national policies capable of uprooting both overt bigotry and the systemic biases that perpetuate discrimination. These measures are indispensable if we are to confront racism in all its contemporary manifestations with seriousness and resolve. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Lesotho. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mongolia.

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, Mongolia aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of G77 and welcomes the convening of this high-level meeting to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. This anniversary provides an important opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and to renew political will for the full and effective implementation of the DDPa. Despite progress made over the past quarter century, racism and racial discrimination continue to persist in different forms. Hate speech, stigmatization, stereotypes, and intolerance remain serious concerns, both offline and online, affecting individuals and communities across societies. Mongolia reaffirms that equality, non-discrimination, and respect for human dignity are fundamental principles of human rights. We believe that the fight against racism requires a comprehensive approach, combining effective legal and policy measures with education, public awareness, meaningful participation, and international cooperation. Education has a particularly important role to play in addressing prejudice and stereotypes and in promoting mutual respect, tolerance, and understanding. We therefore welcome the emphasis placed in the political declaration on quality education and awareness raising as essential tools in preventing discrimination. We also underlined the importance of ensuring the full, equal, meaningful and effective participation of affected persons and communities in the development and implementation of relevant policies and programs. The voices of women, young people and persons in vulnerable situations should be heard and reflected in decision-making processes. At the same time, new and emerging technologies bring both opportunities and challenges. Artificial intelligence and digital technology should be developed and used in ways that respect human rights, promote equality and prevent discrimination and bias. Lastly, we believe that the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action should serve as a renewed call for collective action and stronger commitment to its full and effective implementation. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mongolia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Costa Rica.

President, Excellencies, In today's world, one of every five people say that they have suffered discrimination for something that is prohibited by international law. 25 years on from Durban, this figure tells us that we have to persevere. For Costa Rica, the commitment begins at home. The Afro-descendant population is an essential part of our history, our culture and our identity. We have officially recognised their self-identification as a tribal people and have adopted measures to combat racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia. Our penal code classifies as aggravated homicide any murder committed out of hatred because of the victim's membership of a racial or ethnic group. We also act in the multilateral sphere. Costa Rica promoted the proclamation of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent and co-facilitated the negotiations that made it possible to establish the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, of which the Costa Rican Ana Matarita Macaya serves as Vice Chair. Mr. President, these advances oblige us to do more. New technologies must expand opportunities without reproducing biases or worsening discrimination. We must confront hate speech circulating through digital media, regardless of the group at which it is directed. Antisemitism, Islamophobia and hostility towards Christians have no place in our societies. In that spirit, we are concerned by anti-Semitic expressions in spaces linked to the Durban process. Criticism of the policies of any state is legitimate. Anti-Semitism and discrimination are not. May the color of a person's skin never determine their destiny. May no difference ever justify hatred. And may our shared commitment to human dignity enable us to build societies in which all people can live free from discrimination. Thank you very much to all.

I thank the distinguished representative of Costa Rica. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sudan.

Peace be upon you, Mr. President, Your Excellencies. While we commemorate today the 25th anniversary since the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, we face a bitter reality. Despite decades of struggle, We still witness structural racism, xenophobia in our societies. There is no society except that they have suffered the evil of these scourges, Mr. President. Sudan speaks today out of a bitter reality. Our country currently faces a devastating war launched by terrorist militia. And in reality, it's a war of ethnic cleansing and cultural cleansing and a systematic targeting of the Sudanese identity. This reminds us all that hate speech and racial incitement and extremism and intolerance are not only theoretical. They are weapons that kill and destroy societies and threaten millions if we do not take decisive action. Your Excellencies, Sudan reiterates that a fair future cannot be built without addressing historical injustice. And accordingly, we strongly align ourselves with the calls for correcting the historical injustice and reparation. Centuries of slavery, colonialism, and exploitation have left behind deep rooted institutional discrimination that are suffered throughout the world and in particular in Africa. Real reconciliation begins through an admission of the reality and establishing equal and sustainable partnerships. Your Excellencies, Sudan reiterates that if the coming 25 years, if they were to be without racism, they require investing in education and educating children on the real history and its devastating consequences in order for us to protect future generations from the bitterness of the past. In conclusion, Sudan reiterates The microphone has been cut off.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Sudan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. Mexico joins this commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, reaffirming its conviction that the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance remains a collective responsibility and a priority for the full realization of human rights. We recognize the progress made over these 25 years, however, the challenges continue to be numerous. Combating racial discrimination has changed to things that we could not have anticipated. The digital environment, for example, hate speech can be seen on social platforms at a great speed, and this leads to narratives that dehumanize whole groups of people. And then technologies, artificial intelligence, for example, the algorithms for taking decisions, all of these can lead to serious racial discrimination in employment, credit, monitoring, vigilance, and the delivery of justice. We need the governance of these technologies to be based on equality and non-discrimination. Then we have xenophobia against those that have been displaced, their stigmatization in public discourse, and their rights that are not being respected, and the climate crisis and growing migration movements. To this, we have intersectional discrimination that can particularly affect women, girls, and those of African descent. as well as the resurgence of extremist, supremacist hate speech, which we want to counter. The Declaration of Durban must keep at its center those that formulate policies, recognizing rights, needs, measures to make those rights effective. We recognize in our constitution Africo-Mexican communities. This is part of public policy. We know that the challenge is to turn that recognition into better living conditions. Education and historic memory continue to be indispensable tools to dismantle prejudices both in the classroom as well as in digital spaces. 25 years on from Durban, Mexico reaffirms its commitment and underscores that international cooperation and multilateralism continue to be essential to make progress towards a world free of racism and discrimination. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mexico. Before proceeding to the next speaker, I invite delegations who are in the room and ready to speak in this morning's session to approach the secretariat who are located on the right side of the podium. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Today's discussion comes at a critical moment for our global community. Worldwide, we are witnessing a dangerous rise in racism, xenophobia, and related intolerances, which directly undermine social cohesion and can ultimately lead to atrocity crimes. For Kazakhstan, equality, mutual respect, and human rights form the bedrock of our nationhood. As a home to all 100 ethnic groups living in harmony, we firmly believe that diversity is a powerful source of strength. At the heart of the Kazakhstan model lies a timeless principle, unity in diversity. As President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted, The historically rooted tolerance, solidarity, and broad-mindedness of our people are successfully embodied today in Kazakhstan's peaceful foreign policy based on trust, dialogue, and cooperation. This year, in order to address modern challenges, our key dialogue mechanisms, the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan and the National Council, have merged into a single unified entity, the People's Council of Kazakhstan. Operating as our highest constitutional consultative body, this unique revitalized platform ensures broad, equal representation of ethnic groups and ethnocultural associations, civil society, NGOs, and regional bodies. Internationally, Kazakhstan's 23-year experience in hosting the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions demonstrates the power of intercultural dialogue. The Astana Peace Declaration of 2025 champions unity in diversity and calls for integrating these universal principles directly into the UN agenda. Kazakhstan calls on the international community to focus on clear priorities. First, invest in prevention, quality education, and empower youth as drivers of tolerance. Second, secure the digital ecosystem and furthermore, confront the dark side of modern innovation by combating digital discrimination, eliminating artificial intelligence biases, and countering online hate speech. Third, reinforce legal protections to guarantee equal opportunities and human dignity for all. In conclusion, Kazakhstan reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the UN Charter and the Durban framework. Let us build a world where diversity remains our greatest asset. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uganda.

Mr. President, Uganda aligns with the statement delivered on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. and the African group. 25 years ago, on African soil, the world recognized in Durban that slavery and slave trade were crimes against humanity. Yet the promise of Durban remains largely unfulfilled. Africans and people of African descent still face racial profiling, unequal access to justice and services, and abuse in person and online. now amplified by new technologies. Combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, hate speech, and related intolerance is significant to the achievement of sustainable development. It must be fought by putting the defenses against such injustices in the minds of men and women through education and awareness, fighting poverty and marginalization, promoting inclusion, reducing inequalities, and respecting, promoting, and protecting the human rights of all persons. Uganda's constitution guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination, and the Equal Opportunities Commission investigates complaints of discrimination and marginalization. Uganda also hosts close to 2 million refugees, the largest refugee population in Africa, who are free to work, move, access land and public services. For us, the fight against xenophobia begins with how a country treats those who come to it seeking safety. In conclusion, Mr. President, Uganda reaffirms our commitment to the Ban Declaration and Programme of Action. Twenty-five years from now, what is required of us now is implementation. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Uganda. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway.

President, I'm pleased to make this statement on behalf of Norway. I have three points to make. First, combating racism is crucial for human dignity. Racial discrimination fuels hate and violence. It denies the truth that all humans are born free and equal in worth and rights. We are deeply concerned by the global rise in discrimination and racism we see online and offline. We must strengthen our efforts, and we must also be mindful of the increasing challenges posed by antisemitism and Islamophobia, which are two forms of racism that are distinct but often interact. In all this, Political leaders have a particularly important role and a great responsibility. Second, racism is a global issue. It requires a universal effort that goes beyond national borders. The UN provides a unique platform for combating racism. We regret that the Durban process continues to be shaped by past shortcomings. While legitimate concerns should not be disregarded, that should not prevent us from engaging constructively. Going forward, we must focus on what is required to achieve a broader consensus internationally. Third, practical measures at the national level are crucial for the effective implementation of the Durban Platform. The Government of Norway has a clear policy to prevent and combat racism. combining national legislation, dedicated action plans and specialised oversight bodies. The action plan on racism and discrimination is a central and overarching tool guiding our national efforts. The primary focus is on access to and progress within the labour market and on racism and discrimination experienced by young people. The Norwegian government aims to develop a new strategy against hate speech. We have already implemented several measures. We now aim to take a more coordinated approach through a national strategy that is even more effective and supports social cohesion. In this, we need to cooperate internationally. And then finally, Mr. President, despite progress, there is still a long way to go In this, we must stand together in building societies with equal opportunities for all and without racism. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Norway, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Congo.

Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, I wish first and foremost to pay tribute to the President of the Republic of Congo, on behalf of the President of Congo, for the leadership, the stewardship, and visionary initiatives which have guided -- who have guided the efforts undertaken by my country. We have been undertaking significant measures for the advancement of multilateralism, combating racism, combating discrimination, and historic injustice. And this is inextricably linked to the right to development, to quality, as well as peace. And Durban was a moment of truth. Slavery and the transatlantic slave trade were identified as crimes against humanity, paving the way of humanity reparations, concrete action. 25 years later, discrimination persists. Hate speech is proliferating. Social networks have been circulating hate speech at a new level. 25 years later, we need to renew our commitment, our collective commitment under the leadership of our President Our country has enshrined in our law for 2011 the promotion, the promotion and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples, the first in Africa, related to non-discrimination, access to land, to health, to education, to political participation, which proves that a strong political will can transform lives. Leaving nobody behind is a moral prerogative, a constitutional and strategic necessity. This is part of a broader vision, that of a social economy with solidarity, inclusive, creative, and in a position to build just, resilient societies. We, our continent, has shouldered the ravages of colonialism and slavery, and today, still, Africans are continuing to be marginalized and stigmatized. And in the light of this reality, we call for respect, for justice, for reparations. Reparations are not merely to look back at the past, they are conditioned for freedom moving forward. This is a part of a momentum from President Sasongke. So through Inter-ALE, the Memorial Project for BEMD and ANGO, advancing memory, truth, and recognition of suffering of the past. For the next five years, the emphasis is on accelerating implementation of the Durban Program of Action with national, targeted, accessible plans, strengthening monitoring mechanisms and oversight within the UN, combating new forms of racism, specifically online, and protecting those who are most vulnerable, migrants, refugees, indigenous peoples, and migrants and refugees. We reaffirm our unstinting commitment to combating these scourges.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Congo. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt.

Say the race.

Mr. President, Egypt aligns itself with the statements by the Arab Group and the G 77 and China. We would like to thank you for convening this important event to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Program of Action, which is a leading international framework to address racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. It is a comprehensive framework to promote equality and the protection of dignity. Egypt believes firmly that addressing racism and racial discrimination is not only a legal responsibility, but a moral obligation that requires international coordination and a promotion of multilateral efforts, especially as we see a disturbing rise in hate speech. And despite 25 years that have since Durban, we still witness an increasing phenomena of racism and discrimination. And these practices are not limited to government policies, but have become hate speech from officials that everyone hears and witnesses, in addition to an expanding phenomena of xenophobia and Islamophobia, leading to exacerbated tensions. and conflicts. Egypt accordingly reiterates the need for a comprehensive framework that addresses these scourges, that combines policies with practical measures in order to build societies that believe in human dignity and the strength of diversity. We also affirm the need to fully and effectively implement the Durban Declaration and Program of Action and to respect and implement the Convention on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination. We must also continue negotiations on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons of African Descent. Mr. President, addressing the phenomena of discrimination and racism also must address factors like poverty, inequality, colonialization, and foreign occupation, and the denial of people's rights to self-determination. In addition, we must address hate speech and incitement while committing to international law. This event must represent an opportunity to renew our political will and to exchange best practices in order to fully and effectively implement our obligations. In conclusion, Egypt reiterates its commitment to support all efforts aimed at eliminating these scourges in all their forms, and working with all partners in order to... And the microphone has been cut off.

I thank the distinguished representative of Egypt. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Arab Emirates.

Thank you, Mr. President, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. After 25 years since Durban, the United Arab Emirates reiterates that the challenge before us is not limited to renewing our commitment politically, but it can be embodied through transforming Durban into practical measures. The UAE in this area bases its efforts on the fact that it's a diverse society that embraces tolerance and respect for the other. Our population is 11 million people, and more than 200 nationalities work and live in the United Arab Emirates. We believe in an inclusive culture that respects difference as a source of strength and development and cooperation. under the rule of law, equal opportunity, and respect for human dignity as firm rights. And based on the theme for this meeting, the UAE would like to reaffirm three priorities. Technological development that is rapid presents opportunities. However, it also requires guarantees that they not be exploited to promote stereotypes or hate speech and discrimination. Investing in education and youth is necessary to build societies free of discrimination. The youth must enjoy a meaningful role in developing the policies that affect their future. We must promote the link between combating racism and promoting sustainable development. We have affirmed that racism and discrimination may lead to conflict. Mr. President, the best means to commemorate this 25th anniversary of Durban is to continue our serious efforts to guarantee that the principles of Durban become tangible reality. The UAE reiterates its full readiness to continue its efforts for this purpose, to combat racism, xenophobia, and related intolerance, and to build societies where tolerance and mutual respect is the norm. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Arab Emirates. We have heard the last speaker at this meeting. The high-level meeting will continue this afternoon at 3:00 p.m. with a panel discussion. I thank you. Following the conclusion of the panel discussion, In the afternoon, the general debate will resume at 4:00 p.m. in order to continue hearing statements. In light of the very long list of speakers for this high-level meeting, not all delegations inscribed will be able to make their statements before we conclude the general debate at 6:00 p.m. that is today. Those delegations are invited to submit their statements to e-statements at un.org for posting in the Journal of the United Nations. The meeting is adjourned.