EU Statement – UN General Assembly: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
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Madam President of the General Assembly, Mr Secretary General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.
The Candidate Countries North Macedonia, Montenegro*, Serbia*, Albania*, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina* and Georgia, as well as Armenia, Andorra and San Marino align themselves with this statement.
Six decades after the adoption of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Convention remains as relevant as ever. Racism persists in every sphere of daily life, and we know from bitter experience that, if left unaddressed, it can impact the lives of many, crush dignity, and undermine social cohesion and prosperity for years to come.
Regrettably, we also know that here is no country immune to racism.
And no hierarchy of indignities for those affected: all deserve equal dignity and protection.
So, full and effective implementation of the Convention therefore requires the sustained commitment by all.
Colleagues, failure to address racism casts a long shadow over our societies. It deprives many of equal opportunities, weakens social cohesion and leaves communities and regions behind. It also carries wider social and economic costs, including by preventing societies from fully benefiting from the talents and contributions of all.
And it may also erode trust in institutions and democratic participation, if government policies fail to represent the hopes and aspirations of all their citizens. Racism has evolved alongside social polarization and is increasingly amplified by extremist narratives, particularly in the digital space.
Combatting racism requires robust public policies, an appropriate institutional framework, and sustained international cooperation. This is why the EU is working to promote transparent, fair, and accountable use of artificial intelligence and prevent algorithmic bias.
This is also why in January 2026, the EU adopted its first-ever Anti-Racism Strategy, for the period until 2030. It marks a decisive shift from targeted measures to the full-spectrum tackling of racism in all its forms, including structural racism.
In a nutshell, we committed that adequate resources will be available for:
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strengthening implementation and enforcement of existing anti-discrimination laws and stepping up protection from hate crime and hate speech;
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fostering inclusion in education, employment, healthcare, and housing; and
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building anti-racism partnerships at all levels of society .
Civil society plays a vital role in building such a future. That is why we are strengthening the Anti-Racism Civil Society Forum, a space for dialogue and evidence-based policymaking. And just last week the EU convened an Anti-Racism Conference that brought together civil society with equality bodies and policy makers to exchange best practice.
In parallel, the EU supports the international fight against racism, including by implementing global initiatives such as the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, which marks its 25th anniversary this year. The EU also helps to ensure that the fight against racism remains a global priority, by continuing to raise the topic regularly with international partners at all levels. We strongly support the work of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This is our commitment to ensuring full and effective implementation of the Convention.
Colleagues, the EU’s motto is “United in Diversity”. We are committed to honoring it within our own borders, by continuing to address our imperfections. And we are committed to building partnerships around the world to ensure that our global diversity leads equally to global solidarity and unity, and away from racism and discrimination of any kind.
- ^North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.