UNITED NATIONS: India has charged the regime in Fiji with attempting to “institutionalize racism” and urged the United Nations to impress upon it that its “undemocratic policies” are out of step with the world in which democratic governance is becoming ever important.
Speaking at a United Nations commutes, Indian Representative Abrar Ahmed pointed out that the interim government in Fiji has incorporated provisions into its mew constitution which violate democracy and human rights.
These “institutionalize oppression and injustice based on ethnic divisions”, he said.
Ahmed said the provisions flouted the universally accepted commitment eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.
Reaffirming India’s “unswerving commitment” to the elimination of racial discrimination in all its forms, he called for reiteration of global commitment to the cause to give it urgency and strength.
Referring to Apartheid, Ahmed said despite the allure of arguments that the process of reforms that has begun in South Africa is irreversible, international vigil must continue till such time as all its citizens are able to live together in a truly nonracial society. Welcoming the recent measures taken by the South African govt, Ahmed expressed concern over “the specter of violence fuelled by Apartheids lingering depredations”.
“We are disturbed at the recurrent violence in the black townships. Its horrors are compounded by revelations that agents of the financing black violence in an effort to prevent solidarity in the black community”, he said.
He also urged the South African govt to release all political prisoners.
What we do not understand we do not possess.
-Borthe.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 25, 1991
