<최종문> Deputy Foreign Minister Cho Jong-moon: "Addressing Racism is an Urgent Task... International Cooperation is Necessary"

Opening Address at the International Forum Against Racism and Discrimination

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Choi Jong-moon, the 2nd Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated on the 22nd that "the eradication of racism and discrimination is an urgent task we must address."

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vice Minister Choi made these remarks during the opening address of the "International Forum Against Racism and Discrimination," jointly hosted by the Korean government and UNESCO. He noted that cases of racial discrimination have significantly increased since the spread of COVID-19. Vice Minister Choi pointed out, "As the virus spread worldwide, hate speech, stigmatization, and even violent incidents targeting specific races and ethnicities have been reported."

He emphasized, "Such inhumane behavior not only violates fundamental human rights principles but also undermines mutual trust necessary for effectively responding to crises, thereby hindering international cooperation."

Vice Minister Choi also stressed, "To counter prejudice and hatred, global citizenship education that teaches and practices universal values such as humanity, tolerance, and respect for diversity is important," calling for international cooperation and solidarity through multilateral organizations like UNESCO.

Meanwhile, the forum was attended by international organization officials including Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO; Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; and ?ngel Gurr?a, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.