Bangladesh urges stronger global action against racial discrimination

Bangladesh has called for stronger global action to dismantle racial discrimination and address historical injustices, saying the world remains far from delivering on the promise made 25 years ago through the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Irene Khan made the call on Monday at a UN high-level event marking the 25th anniversary of the landmark declaration.

“Twenty-five years after the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, the world remains far from fulfilling its promise that no one should face discrimination based on race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin,” she said.

Irene reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to the full and effective implementation of the declaration, which provides a global framework for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

She called for stronger measures to confront historical and structural inequalities rooted in slavery, colonialism and other forms of injustice.

Such challenges, she said, must be addressed through justice, education, development and stronger international cooperation.

Irene also urged the international community to step up protection for migrants, refugees, forcibly displaced people, minorities, women, children and others in vulnerable situations.

She highlighted the growing role of technology in shaping public discourse, warning that new technologies should be used to counter hatred and incitement to violence rather than amplify them.

The Bangladesh envoy called for artificial intelligence that is safe, secure and grounded in human rights, with safeguards to ensure equality and prevent discrimination.

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Her remarks come as governments and international organisations assess progress on the commitments made under the Durban framework and confront new forms of discrimination emerging both offline and online.

“Bangladesh remains committed to a world where the diversity and dignity of all people are upheld, offline and online,” Irene said.

The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action was adopted at the 2001 World Conference against Racism in Durban, South Africa, as a global framework for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.