PERMANENT MISSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA GENEVA
The 26th Session of the Human Rights Council <Check against delivery>
ID with SR on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
Geneva, June 24, 2014
Statement of the Republic of Korea Thank you, Mr. President
The Republic of Korea would like to express its sincere appreciation to Special Rapporteur, Dr. Mutuma Ruteere for his comprehensive and thought-provoking reports.
The advancement of the Internet and information technology presents both challenges and opportunities. While it could be misused to incite racism, it is clear that it positively contributes to enhancing intercultural understanding and combating racism. Along these lines, we believe that it is very timely and meaningful to address this issue of contemporary forms of racism at this juncture.
Since the 1990s, the Republic of Korea has experienced a significant social change from a mono-cultural and homogeneous society towards a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic society. The number of migrants, international families, and interracial families in Korea is increasing.
Unfortunately, this transformation bears the risk of forming a social environment where racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia can grow in certain circumstances. Keenly aware of these potential risks, the Korean government has made every effort to accommodate and integrate migrants and foreigners into our society.
We noted with appreciation various good practices from the Special Rapperteur’s reports, and we share his opinion on the importance and effectiveness of education and awareness-raising programs as key means to address such a challenging phenomenon. In particular, new networking tools such as the Internet and SNS are expected to facilitate, organize and offer an open and free space for further intercultural dialogue and interaction.
In addition, we would like to draw special attention to the fact that racism and racial extremism inevitably grow from economic grievances including unemployment, indecent working conditions, and poverty in general. Those who are discontented with their current economic and social situations can at times be tempted to attribute their problems to migrants and other minorities.
In this context, we believe that strengthening economic and social rights of marginalized people could be a fundamental basis for a sound and racism-free society.
Before closing, my delegation would like to express its heartfelt welcome to Special Rapporteur Dr. Mutuma Ruteere’s upcoming visit to Seoul this September and October. The Republic of Korea reaffirms its commitment to working closely with the Special Rapporteur towards a successful visit.
Thank you, Mr. President. /End/
