PHL Embassy in Wellington, Filipino Community Join Observance of Race Relations Day 2018
In this photo taken at the assembly point, Ambassador and Mrs. Domingo lead the Embassy contingent to the parade.
27 March 2018 WELLINGTON — The Philippine Embassy actively participated in the Peace Walk and Festival in Wellington to celebrate Race Relations Day. An Embassy contingent led by Ambassador Jesus S. Domingo and Mrs. Ma. Remedios R. Domingo, joined representatives from the Wellington City Council, NZ Police, Office of Ethnic Communities, New Zealand Malaysian Society and the Chinese Cultural Centre as well as other ethnic and local migrant communities, organizations, schools and performers in the march from Odlins Plaza to the TSB Arena, Queens Wharf, Wellington.
At the opening ceremony of the Festival at the TSB Arena, Ambassador Domingo delivered remarks as Patron of the Multicultural Council in Wellington, a designation he assumed in 2017, succeeding Singaporean High Commissioner Bernard Baker. As such, he serves, among others, as advisor to the Council. As Ambassador of the 50,000-strong Filipino community in New Zealand, he highlighted the importance of enabling the inclusion and successful settlement of migrants in the host country. He likewise cited the vital contribution of migrants in the growth and development of New Zealand.
The 21st of March is observed annually as International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination marking the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre when 69 black South African citizens, including 10 children, were slain by police for protesting against racial apartheid laws.
In New Zealand, the event is commemorated as Race Relations Day. This year's theme is "Give Nothing to Racism". The Multicultural New Zealand, New Zealand Human Rights Commission and Multicultural Council of Wellington organized the day’s program. The invitation to the Embassy was issued by the office of Dame Susan Devoy, Race Relations Commissioner. END
For more information, visit www.wellingtonpe.dfa.gov.ph/ www.philembassy.org.nz or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinNZ/
Groufie with Wellington Mayor Justin Lester (centre) and Mr. Rakesh Naidoo, Strategic Advisor Race Relations of the New Zealand Human Rights Commission (at right foreground).
Ambassador Domingo delivering his statement at the Opening ceremony of the Festival.