Topic: Elimination of Xenophobia and Racism
Country: Malaysia
Delegate Name: Lane Radhakrishnan
School: Roeper School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Malaysia position papers GLIMUN 2016 committees
With the dawn of the digital age, there is an ability to connect globally like never before. People can access diverse opinions and information, communicate quickly and effectively with others who live in completely different worlds, and follow the current event with ease. Technological capability nor speed no longer inhibit social advancement as we seem to be our own worst enemy. Internet trolls attack with impunity not only sport and political opponents, but those of different ethnic and national origin, fanning flames of hate.
In the past quarter century, the world has seen all too many examples of xenophobia and racism. Most recently distrust and fear of foreigners has been the reactions of some European nations in dealing with migrants from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. This phenomenon has fueled populist movements with a focus on intolerance in many nations, including Hungary, France, Britain, United States and Australia. Unchecked, xenophobia can reduce trade, increase international tensions, and cripple the effectiveness of international institutions, of which the United Nations is just one.
Xenophobia and racism harm billions of persons each year; not only do they prevent the spread of ideas, but they hinder progression towards equality by dividing people. Malaysia knows this first hand as Malaysians themselves have at times been xenophobic towards minority populations, such as Chinese-Malaysians and Indian-Malaysians. Malaysia’s predominant ethnic group, the Bumiputera, is most likely to perpetuate this prejudice, often unknowingly. Sociologists and political observers find the Bumiputras are generally unaware of the effects of their actions because of the long-standing institutionalized prejudice and xenophobia in Malaysia.
Malaysia believes that the best way to combat these systems of oppression is to educate the public, starting in schools. Malaysia believes that teaching the future generations to be more equitable will have the greatest, most consistent effect. The delegation of Malaysia believes that all nations should take a forthright look at their own nation as well as global manifestations of racism and xenophobia. Malaysia thanks the United Nations Human Rights Council for their time and consideration.
