Philippines Advocates for Enhanced Anti-Racism Efforts at United Nations on Behalf of ASEAN

PR and Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo calls for strengthened efforts to combat racism and racial discrimination within the United Nations.

NEW YORK 21 November 2023 – Speaking on behalf of ASEAN, Philippine Permanent Representative and Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo called for a strengthened effort to combat racism and racial discrimination during the 13th Formal Meeting of the Fifth Committee, held on 16 November 2023 at the United Nations headquarters.

Ambassador Lagdameo expressed firm support for the ongoing efforts to eradicate racism and racial discrimination within the United Nations, stating, "Racism and racial discrimination have no place in any organization, and ASEAN rejects racism in all its forms and manifestations." He emphasized that this position aligns with ASEAN's commitment to uphold the principle of equal rights, as enshrined in both the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach, ASEAN advocated for the establishment of an Anti-Racism Office within the United Nations Department for Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC). This office would lead and coordinate efforts to address racism and racial discrimination within the secretariat. Ambassador Lagdameo pointed out the vital role of the Task Force on Addressing Racism and Promoting Dignity for All, reinforced by the work of the Special Adviser on Addressing Racism at the UN, peacekeeping missions, staff unions, and relevant groups. The ASEAN calls for efficient collaboration with relevant UN system entities to ensure a cohesive, system-wide approach.

Ambassador Lagdameo also discussed the implementation steering group, emphasizing its composition should include officials from diverse regions to oversee the operationalization, execution, and mainstreaming of the strategic action plan. This group would also provide guidance and substantive advice to the Anti-Racism Office. He stressed the importance of an effective governance structure to ensure adequate oversight, coherence, and accountability in anti-racism initiatives.

Further, Ambassador Lagdameo underscored the need for collaboration with other UN departments, offices, and bodies to define the scope, functions, and reporting lines of the Anti- Racism Office. This collaboration is crucial to ensure the office's independence and effective mandate delivery. He called for the allocation of adequate resources to support the office's administrative and operational needs.

In conclusion, Ambassador Lagdameo thanked the Department of Operational Support (DOS), particularly its Human Resources Division, for their work in reviewing recruitment processes to identify biases and analyzing separations from the organization. This analysis aims to better understand if reasons for leaving the organization are related to diversity, equity, or inclusion issues. END

For more information, visit https://www.newyorkpm.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.un.int/philippines or https://www.facebook.com/PHMissionNY/.