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Financial crisis 'could fuel hatred'
There are concerns that the financial crisis could fuel racism
Speakers at the world conference on racism in Geneva warned Wednesday that increased joblessness caused by the weakened global economy could lead to greater intolerance of foreigners, if governments fail to act.
Haiti is one country that could be affected, because it relies heavily on remittances from citizens living and working abroad.
The country's Vice Foreign Minister Jacques Nixon Myrthil said Haiti could be hurt significantly by xenophobia linked to the financial crisis, which he said is increasing hatred against foreigners, especially migrant workers.
<span style="font-weight: bold">Mr Myrthil told the conference that racism and discrimination "are far from being reduced and are even taking worse forms". </span>
UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon voiced similar concerns on Monday, saying it was important that nations address new technologies that were spreading hate messages more rapidly.
Mr Ban predicted social unrest, weakened governments and angry publics contributing to increased intolerance ,if countries failed to address their economic problems.
Meanwhile Terry Davis, head of the human rights watchdog, Council of Europe, said while countries cannot force their people to be tolerant, they can promote dialogue among people of different races.
"It would be naïve to expect that our efforts will succeed in putting a quick and irreversible end to prejudice and hate," Mr Davis said.
He added that there are no easy fixes and no quick wins in the battle against hatred.
On Tuesday delegates attending the global conference on racism agreed on a declaration calling for an end to intolerance and xenophobia.
There are concerns that the financial crisis could fuel racism
Speakers at the world conference on racism in Geneva warned Wednesday that increased joblessness caused by the weakened global economy could lead to greater intolerance of foreigners, if governments fail to act.
Haiti is one country that could be affected, because it relies heavily on remittances from citizens living and working abroad.
The country's Vice Foreign Minister Jacques Nixon Myrthil said Haiti could be hurt significantly by xenophobia linked to the financial crisis, which he said is increasing hatred against foreigners, especially migrant workers.
<span style="font-weight: bold">Mr Myrthil told the conference that racism and discrimination "are far from being reduced and are even taking worse forms". </span>
UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon voiced similar concerns on Monday, saying it was important that nations address new technologies that were spreading hate messages more rapidly.
Mr Ban predicted social unrest, weakened governments and angry publics contributing to increased intolerance ,if countries failed to address their economic problems.
Meanwhile Terry Davis, head of the human rights watchdog, Council of Europe, said while countries cannot force their people to be tolerant, they can promote dialogue among people of different races.
"It would be naïve to expect that our efforts will succeed in putting a quick and irreversible end to prejudice and hate," Mr Davis said.
He added that there are no easy fixes and no quick wins in the battle against hatred.
On Tuesday delegates attending the global conference on racism agreed on a declaration calling for an end to intolerance and xenophobia.
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