Topic: Elimination of Xenophobia and Racism
Country: Chile
Delegate Name: Evelyn Bruinsma
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Chile position papers GLIMUN 2016 committees
Many people are ostracized or at a political or economical disadvantage simply due to their race or ethnicity. Racism and xenophobia, issues that exist in countries all around the world, have been around as long as the human race. It affects almost every person in the world in one way or another. In 1948, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which provides the customary international definitions that are the basis for the debate about human rights. In 1969, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination provides some of the best practices for member states to effectively fight racism. In 1978, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization adopted the Declaration on Race and Racial Prejudice, which invalidated popular scientific beliefs for discrimination. In the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, Goal 16 hopes to reduce inequalities by the year 2030. Xenophobia and racism are widespread issues that will take a sufficient amount of time and effort from the United Nations, the member states, and the general public to combat and defeat.
The Republic of Chile has, in the past, been under the scrutiny of the United Nations over the tense relations between the government and the indigenous people, whose rights to ancestral territories and ways of life are being violated due to economic growth and development In 2015, Chile signed both the Inter-American Convention Against Racism, Racial Discrimination and Related Forms of Intolerance and the Inter-American Convention Against All Forms of Discrimination and Intolerance. Both provide guidelines for the states to follow in order to combat, monitor, and prevent racism, such as implementing policies of which the purpose is to provide equitable treatment and generate equal opportunity for all persons in areas such as education, labor, social situations, and legislation. In 2012, the Human Rights Council convened a panel to discuss the promotion and protection of human rights in a multicultural context, including combating xenophobia, discrimination and intolerance. Chile asked the panel about recommended steps to take towards respecting human rights and cultural diversity. It is imperative that we take actions to eliminate these issues and improve the lives of those affected.
The Republic of Chile advises countries to take measures to effectively combat and prevent xenophobia and racism. Firstly, we encourage governments to provide punishments for excessive offenses. Secondly, we suggest that governments compose and enforce legislation that prevents racial discrimination and provides equal opportunities in housing, employment, and other areas of social life. Lastly, we advocate cooperation among states to increase public knowledge and understanding of other races and cultures. Overall, the Republic of Chile supports racial equality and urges other countries to do the same.
