|
WCAR Cauces pages
Asian Descent NGO Caucus
Second Statement of the Asian Descent NGO Caucus
Second Prep Com, World Conference Against Racism, Geneva, May 31, 2001
The Asian Descent NGO Caucus is made up of diasporic and immigrant Asian NGO representatives. This caucus acknowledges the inclusion of Asians in the Prep Com documents, but calls for language that also addresses the specific manifestations of racism that Asian descendants face.
Suggested text (to be added to section on Victims, Programme of Action)
The World Conference recognizes that the spread of Asian descendants throughout the world has often been a product of colonialism, where indentured Asian workers have been viewed as sources of cheap, expendable labour.
The World Conference notes that, despite the racism, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance they have faced, Asians and Asian descendants have contributed and continue to contribute significantly to the economic, social, political, scientific and cultural life of the countries where they have settled.
The World Conference notes with regret that despite their contribution, Asian descendants have been and continue to be treated as foreigners within their own countries. As a result, they have been historically subject to deportation and internment, regardless of their citizenship status.
The World Conference acknowledges that Asian descendants have been and continue to be viewed with suspicion and hatred, and are often criminalized and scapegoated for social problems. They are subject to laws and practices that overtly and systemically discriminate against them, especially in the area of immigration. They are excluded from full participation in the political, economic, and cultural lives of their countries.
The World Conference recognizes that Asian women in particular bear many of the negative effects of globalization and historical attitudes toward Asians, which are manifested through human trafficking and migration of Asian women as mail-order brides, domestic workers, sex trade workers and low wage or sweat shop workers.
The World Conference calls upon states to acknowledge historical discrimination against Asian descendants through education and, where appropriate, redress, reparations and special measures.
The World Conference urges states to ensure that their immigration legislation and practices do not overtly or systemically discriminate against Asian migrants.
The World Conference calls upon states to institute preventative programs and policies to protect Asian descendants who are subject to violence and other hate crimes.
The World Conference calls upon states and private media to address racism, xenophobia and stereotypes of Asian descendants by promoting their appropriate and diverse representation in media, and by ensuring their access to media through relevant licensing and regulatory bodies.
The World Conference urges states to develop effective policies and measures to ensure the full inclusion and equality of Asian descendants, including access to employment, accreditation of professions and fair immigration policies; and in particular to pay attention to and value the work of Asian women through such policies.
| 
