Not enough for leaders to just say they are against racism - Khan

Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Nazhat Shameem Khan says it is not enough for those who hold leadership to say that they are against racism.

While speaking at an urgent debate at the UN Human Rights Council arising from the global concern and anger after the death of American George Floyd in police custody, Khan says leaders must have strong and effective policies to sanction those who are guilty of racist behaviour within the organisation.

Khan says such policies must recognise intersectional and multiple forms of discrimination.

She says the debate is an important opportunity for each country to reflect on its own shortcomings in addressing equality before the law.

She says Fiji had to face the unpleasant reality of its own historical past in order to make meaningful change.

Khan says Fiji's 2013 constitution reform and legal reforms are intended to remove systemic racism.