Let us Stop Racism Here!

Oct 11, 2022 Letters

Dear Editor,

The Clerical and Commercial Workers’ Union (CCWU) rejects all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and intolerance, including institutional racism and racial prejudices, and stereotyping.

CCWU denounces demagogic politicians and institutions, who exploit the legitimate concerns of people about economic, social, and public insecurity, to defame, victimize, and racial and ethnic society, many of whom are themselves among the victims of the insecurity for which they are blamed.

CCWU acknowledges the worrying increase in xenophobic attitudes and urges trade unions to combat this problem, including among our members.

Discrimination is exacerbated by insecurity and unemployment. Programmes to ensure the security of employment and full employment programmes, as well as comprehensive assistance for the unemployed, can suppress the breeding grounds of racism.

CCWU calls upon the Government to reinforce and comply with ILO Convention 111 concerning Discrimination in respect of Employment and Occupation.

Assure everyone’s effective protection and remedies against acts of discrimination, based on race, colour, national, cultural, or ethnic origin, language, religion, or belief.

Recognize racism as a crime to be punished as such. Prohibit discrimination in employment, education, social services, and housing and in the provision of services, such as access to and use of any place that is open to members of the public.

Prohibit racist or xenophobic propaganda or other acts transmitted or committed whether orally or in writing via any media (press, letter, Internet, etc.)

Take effective measures, including in the fields of training, culture, and the media, to combat prejudices and stereotypes that lead to racial discrimination or xenophobia.

Yours faithfully,

Sherwood Clarke

General Secretary

CCWU