GENEVA — The world racism conference looked beyond the Middle East on Wednesday to concerns over the economic crisis, with speakers warning that increased joblessness could lead to greater intolerance of foreigners if governments fail to act.
A day after countries passed a declaration of solidarity, speakers focused on the economic plight affecting the world and how nations should put into practice their pledges to fight racism.
"It would be naive to expect that our efforts will succeed in putting a quick and irreversible end to prejudice and hate,” said Terry Davis, head of the Council of Europe, a human rights watchdog.
He said countries cannot force people to be tolerant, but can promote dialogue among people of different races, religions and ethnicities. In the battle against hatred, "there are no easy fixes,” he said.
U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres said the economic crisis meant many nations were cutting back on government programs.
But "efforts to diminish racism and xenophobia need not be among them,” he said, adding that much of the effort to combat racism costs little money.
A day after countries passed a declaration of solidarity, speakers focused on the economic plight affecting the world and how nations should put into practice their pledges to fight racism.
"It would be naive to expect that our efforts will succeed in putting a quick and irreversible end to prejudice and hate,” said Terry Davis, head of the Council of Europe, a human rights watchdog.
He said countries cannot force people to be tolerant, but can promote dialogue among people of different races, religions and ethnicities. In the battle against hatred, "there are no easy fixes,” he said.
U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres said the economic crisis meant many nations were cutting back on government programs.
But "efforts to diminish racism and xenophobia need not be among them,” he said, adding that much of the effort to combat racism costs little money.
by the associated press
