CEC calls on all to reaffirm the fight against racism

Ottawa, March 21        On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Canadian Ethnocultural Council salutes all human rights activists and volunteers who toil tirelessly, often thanklessly, to eliminate the scourge of all forms of racism and racial discrimination around the world.

The CEC acknowledges and commends them for their work in furthering universal respect for justice, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms regardless of race, ethnicity, religion and sex as affirmed in the United Nation Declaration of Human Rights.

Last year's United Nations World Conference on Racism, although highly controversial, was a historic moral consensus against racism as it sensitized governments to acknowledge the reality of intolerance and to develop measures to combat it.

Durban also brought together youth from all corners of the world. “ They were and are on the frontline of the struggle against racism” says Art Hagopian, President of the CEC. “ They live and breathe the challenges that people from older generations have not been able to solve and they rightfully demand full support of both civil society and government in their struggle to create equitable societies for the future and for themselves”.

“A comprehensive Plan of Action, arising out of Durban, has yet to be acted upon”, says Art Hagopian.  “As we commemorate the UN Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the CEC and its affiliated organizations, call upon government, business and civil society to renew and re-dedicate their commitment to fight racism and press for a vision of peace, equality and justice”.

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For more information contact (613) 230 - 3867, fax (613) 230-8051.

The Canadian Ethnocultural Council is a a coalition of 30 national ethnocultural organizations which in turn represent over 2,000 local chapters across Canada and whose mandate is to work towards the elimination of racism and the understanding of the multicultural reality of Canada.