Remarks by H.E. Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, at the Commemorative meeting of the General Assembly to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
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Azərbaycan Respublikasının |
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Permanent Mission |
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Remarks by H.E. Mr. Tofig F. Musayev Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations
at the Commemorative meeting of the General Assembly to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
GA Hall, UNHQ, 23 March 2026
As proclaimed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. At the same time, everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set out therein without distinction of any kind. Any doctrine of superiority based on racial differentiation is scientifically false, morally condemnable, socially unjust and dangerous.
Notwithstanding the various legal and operational mechanisms of the United Nations, it is deplorable that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance are resurging. Therefore, today’s commemorative meeting is very timely, serving as a reminder for the international community to enhance collective effort in combatting the scourge of racism.
Madam President,
The Constitution of Azerbaijan firmly prohibits discrimination and guarantees equal rights and freedoms for all individuals. In addition to the legal guarantees, as a multicultural society, Azerbaijan takes consistent measures to foster understanding and build bridges among different cultures. As part of its international efforts, my country is the initiator and host of the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue within the framework of the Baku Process launched in 2008. The 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue will be held this autumn in Baku, aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue and social inclusion for sustainable peace and development with the participation of concerned stakeholders.
It should be noted that racial prejudices motivated by ideologies of racial superiority continue to pose a serious threat to human lives and have the potential to hinder reconciliation efforts in post-conflict settings. States should explicitly condemn and prohibit organizations that promote and incite racial discrimination and recognize participation in such organizations or activities as punishable offences under their national law.
Madam President,
Azerbaijan remains committed to supporting the rights and dignity of all individuals within its territory, regardless of race, color, descent, or national or ethnic origin and contributing to international efforts to eliminate racial discrimination in all its forms and manifestations.
Thank you. |
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