India has called for "effective solutions" for elimination of racism and xenophobia saying laws and punitive measures alone cannot put an end to this affront to human dignity.
The Deputy Permanent Representative to the Indian Mission here, Sharat Sabharwal, told a human rights conference in Geneva on Aug. 8, 2000 that legislation against racism remained inadequate and enforcement mechanisms "extremely weak" in many parts of the world.
Sabharwal's remarks came in the wake of racial attacks on Indians in countries like Fiji and Germany. Sabharwal was speaking on behalf of the Indian delegation at the 52nd session of the Sub- Commission of the UN Human Rights Commission on the subject `Comprehensive Examination of Thematic Issues relating to the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.'
He voiced concern over concepts of "regional fortresses" bolstered by political accords amongst nations generating a climate in which foreigners and immigrants are regarded as rivals or competitors and a threat to local prosperity, culture and identity.
The Indian delegate cautioned against attempts to include issues not connected with racisms, racial discrimination and related intolerance, in the agenda of the forthcoming World Conference against racism and xenophobia.
"India is strongly opposed to attempts to include issues with a view to diluting focus on racism and racial discrimination," Sabharwal said, adding "attempts needed to be resisted if the conference is to achieve its aims."
- nriol.com report
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