Within the framework of the
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, commemorated today, March 21, Peru's Culture Minister Ulla Holmquist called on citizens to appreciate the Andean nation's cultural diversity and take a
firm stance against racism and racial discrimination.
The Culture head stressed the need of citizens to join State efforts to eliminate this problem.
"In our country, discrimination is a public issue the State has decided to give priority to, as it damages people's life project, incites violence, and strengthens gaps that hinder the exercise of people's fundamental rights," she said.
In this sense, the minister recalled that last January the Executive Branch submitted a bill to Congress requesting to prevent, eliminate, and punish racism as well as racial discrimination in any of its forms.
Sanctions
The initiative strengthens punishment mechanisms with special emphasis on
indigenous Andean and Amazon peoples, native and farming communities,
the Afro-Peruvian population, as well as people of Andean, Amazon or African origin or ancestry —groups that have been most vulnerable to discrimination, both historically and currently.
"Here at the Ministry of Culture, we are committed to making every effort to ensure citizens' access to public services —in a culturally relevant manner and free of racial discrimination— by meeting the particular needs of each group," Holmquist affirmed.
It is worth noting the
United Nations General Assembly proclaimed this day by calling on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination as well as to take responsibility for protecting and promoting the principle of equality and non-discrimination.
(END) RES/RMB
Published: 3/21/2019