Statement by
Cheryl Sim
Deputy Head of the U.S. Observer Delegation
to the 58th Session of the UN Commission on Human Rights

Item 6

Mr. Chairman,

The government and people of the United States are committed to the fight against racism and racial discrimination both within our country and around the world. The American people acknowledge many painful aspects of our history and its legacy with which we continue to struggle today. This historic struggle to eliminate racism is rooted deeply in our national experience. Its success will continue to require the unequivocal participation of all Americans.

People all over the world have drawn inspiration from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic "I have a dream" speech, which was a seminal event in the campaign for racial justice in America. He spoke on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, dedicated to our 16th President who ended slavery and restored our torn union. The memorial symbolizes our nation's quest for racial equality, a quest that many Americans and visitors to America are reminded of when they visit our nation's capital and see Lincoln's monument.

Under the Bush Administration, this commitment to racial equality remains a vital part of our political life. This battle is to ensure that all Americans, regardless of race or origin, can have an equal opportunity to share in the progress of the country.

There is considerable good news emanating from the long-standing and ongoing struggle within the United States against racism and bigotry.

The 1940 Census showed that six out of ten African-American women were household employees, while a large majority of African-American men worked as unskilled laborers, sharecroppers, or domestic servants. In contrast, today African-Americans -- as well as people of other ethnic groups -- serve in significant numbers at the highest levels of government, police our communities, teach in our nation's most prestigious colleges and universities, heal the sick, manage large corporations, and report the news to our fellow citizens and our record of protecting civil rights and fighting discrimination is an increasingly strong one.

The Bush Administration has developed a set of broad, comprehensive policies, programs, and initiatives that will significantly advance the cause of civil rights in the 21st century. President Bush made reform of our public schools his number one priority, and the recent education bill will help ensure that no child - regardless of race - is left behind. The President's agenda is based on the principle of equal opportunity and equal justice.

Globally the battle against racism must involve and end to anti-Semitism and all forms of racial and religious prejudice. This ugly phenomenon led to the most devastating genocide in modern times, yet it remains prevalent throughout the world. Every civilized society must guard against this, or any ideology, that attempts to denigrate one group of people and that leads to hatred, exclusion and violence.

Mr. Chairman, racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance know no national borders. It is long past time to end these injustices and create a world community where our diversity is valued and accepted.