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The joint Global Unions statement by Education International, the Public Services International (PSI) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) was presented today to the 2009 United Nations World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (WCAR) currently held from 20-24 April in Geneva, Switzerland.

Over 40 trade unionists belonging to 25 national trade unions, are taking part in the conference to evaluate the implementation of the Durban 2001 Declaration and Programme of Action against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance.

Please find below the text of the statement. You can also download it in pdf format by clicking on the link below.

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Statement by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Public Services International (PSI) and Education International (EI) to the United Nations Conference on the review of the Durban declaration and action plan (South Africa – 2001) concerning racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance

The International Trade Union confederation (ITUC), Public Services International (PSI) and Education international (EI), fully support the holding of this Conference, considering it to be of major importance, particularly within the current context in which discrimination of every kind is worsening and having serious repercussion not only on the workers concern on the working of our economies and societies in general.

The trade union movement expresses its commitment to the Conference goal to eradicate racism, discrimination and related intolerances. The ITUC, PSI and EI appreciate the challenges and constructive efforts made to adopt the outcome document as this Review Conference. The international trade union movement will continue to hold member States accountable rough their national commitments to combat and eradicate racism, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination. The international trade union movement deplores that certain categories of people vulnerable to racism and xenophobia have received inadequate attention through this Conference process, specifically those who are discriminated against for reasons of cast, sexual orientation or gender. In addition, the international trade union movement has observed that important gaps remain, particularly as regards discrimination in the world of work, since despite the legislative progress in some countries on equality issues; discrimination at work remains the principal form of racial discrimination.

The international trade movement is also very concerned that the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are not presented as key link in the chain of actions for fighting racism and xenophobia. Failing to fill this gap will come at the risk of missing the main point of this Conference. For these reasons, and with a view to ensuring respect of human and employment-related rights, the international trade union movement will continue to advocate that member States implement the following:

1. A universal approach should predominate, both in the identification of problems and in the search for solutions. The governments need to reaffirm their commitment to the goals and principles of equality and non-discrimination contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The governments must ensure that all the victims are recognized and benefit from adequate responses to the problems of discrimination they face.
2. Respect for the universal right of all to a decent work, good working conditions, equal pay and adequate income to cover their essential economic and social needs.
3. Recognition of the existing international legal framework and, above all, an emphasis on the importance of the ratification and concrete application of these standards, in particular ILO standards, through their transposition into national legislation.
4. A preventive approach must be a vital component of all policies for combating racism, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination. Investigations, sanctions and compensation for the victims must also be considered as preventive measures. The trade union movement calls upon members States to use decent work as a tool to combat all forms of discrimination, by reaffirming their commitment to the creation of healthy, just and equitable economies, through the implementation of strategies aimed at productive and full employment.

Geneva, April 21, 2009