Racism ‑ it stops with you!
This was stressed by the Director of Fiji Human Rights and Anti Discrimination Commission Ashwin Raj while speaking at the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination at Sukuna Park.
He says that the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed globally, on the 21st March adding that it is a day that calls for reflection on the far‑reaching consequences of hate and intolerance on our shared humanity.
Raj also highlighted that institutionalized racism, as we have witnessed in Fiji and everywhere else it has been and is being practised, thrives on the idea of "separate but equal".
He adds that these divisions of "us" and "them", the primal fears of "them" taking over and unscrupulous politicians exploiting these fears for political gain remains a sad feature of all societies afflicted with racial, ethnic and religious strife.
Raj also acknowledged that Fijians have come a long way in recognizing the diversity and unique contributions that each community has made to Fiji and we now proudly can call ourselves Fijians without having to declare our race or ethnicity each time we are applying for a job, schools or applying for scholarships/loan schemes.
He says that Fiji as a nation and as individuals must also strive to combat hate speech, more so now as we prepare for the national election this year adding that there should be no space for prejudicial discourses that can lead to racial or religious vilification.
He urged those present to make a pledge to unite against racism, speak out against hate speech, racial profiling and religious intolerance and to embrace inclusion and respect for diversity.
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