Statement at the Commemorative meeting to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
under the theme “A Decade of Recognition, Justice, and Development:
Implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent”.
New York, 21 March 2024
Mr. President, Excellencies,
The Holy See welcomes the holding of this meeting on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and takes this opportunity to reiterate unequivocally its strong condemnation of racism and racial discrimination.
Racism takes many forms. It can be seen in deliberate, overt acts at both individual and group levels. For example, people of African descent are often targeted by racial profiling and selective immigration enforcement practices, while also facing discrimination in hiring practices, access to housing and educational opportunities.
Racism can manifest itself in thoughts and actions that we may not even think of as racist, but which come from the same place of prejudice. Consciously or not, this attitude of superiority fuels a throwaway mentality that leads to contempt for and abandonment of the weakest and those who are seen as useless.
Racism can also manifest itself in the form of omission, when individuals and communities remain silent and fail to act against racism, racial discrimination and racial injustice when they encounter it.
Furthermore, racism can take a different but no less insidious form when certain countries seek to impose their ideologies on other States, sometimes withholding financial support and humanitarian aid unless that State adopts and implements their positions. Pope Francis has strongly criticized this phenomenon, labeling it as “ideological colonization”.[1]
We cannot remain indifferent to the seriousness of these phenomena. We are all called, in our respective roles, to foster and promote respect for the inherent dignity of every human person, and to reject unequivocally racism, which is based on a distorted belief in the superiority of one person over another and which constitutes a flagrant violation of the inalienable God-given dignity of all human beings.
The fight against racism should begin at its source. We should be aware that the roots of racism lie in ignorance and prejudice, often the result of inadequate or poor education. In fact, the role of education is crucial. It should promote fraternal relations and best practice in the fight against racism. Education should begin in the family since it is “the first place where the values of love and fraternity, togetherness and sharing, concern and care for others are lived out and handed on.”[2]
Mr. President,
Many migrants or refugees of African descent who have left – or been forced to leave – their homelands face racism, xenophobia, discrimination, and intolerance in the countries of destination, rather than the support that they need. We are at a key juncture, where we can choose “either the culture of humanity and fraternity, or the culture of indifference.”[3] As members of the same human family, every individual deserves a place to call home. This means having food, access to housing, healthcare and education, and dignified work. It also means having a place where you are understood and included, loved and cared for, where you can participate and contribute. Refugees and migrants can never be seen as mere objects in need of assistance, but as human beings with equal dignity, carrying rights and duties.
Thank you.
[1] Cf. Pope Francis, Address to Members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, 8 January 2024.
[2] Pope Francis, Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti, 114.
[3] Pope Francis, “Rencontres Méditerranéennes”, 22 September 2023.