Antonio Guterres speaks during a UN session.

António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has called for stringent action against racial discrimination in his message on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is observed on 21st March.

"Racism is an evil infecting countries and societies around the world - a deeply entrenched legacy of colonialism and enslavement,” Guterres pointed out.

He noted that its results are devastating: opportunities stolen; dignity denied; rights violated; lives taken and lives destroyed.

Racism is rife, the UN chief said, but it impacts communities differently.

The theme of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination highlights this, focussing on people of African descent, recognition, justice and development, he explained.

"People of African descent face a unique history of systemic and institutionalised racism, and profound challenges today. We must respond to that reality - learning from, and building on, the tireless advocacy of people of African descent,” the secretary-general said. That includes governments advancing policies and other measures to eliminate racism against people of African descent and tech firms urgently addressing racial bias in artificial intelligence, Guterres noted.

"On this Day, let’s commit to work together to build a world of dignity, justice and equal opportunity for every community, everywhere,” the UN chief concluded.

WAM