Racism and Xenophobia

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REPORT OF THE MEETING

Beyond Black and White:

Confronting Modern Realities of Racism and Xenophobia in Asia and Europe

13th-15th November 2005

Barcelona, Spain

This 7th Talks on the Hill was held from the 13th-15th of November in a meeting entitled “Beyond Black and White: Confronting Modern Realities of Racism and Xenophobia in Asia & Europe."

Racism may be broadly defined as “ any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life .” Xenophobia refers more specifically to “ intense dislike or fear of strangers or people from other countries [1] .” While different in theory, the two concepts are intertwined in that the causes of both racism and xenophobia as well as their manifestations are often similar. Therefore, for the purposes of this meeting, both phenomena were addressed.

The past few centuries have presented us with terrible periods where the manifestations of racist or xenophobic ideas have resulted in tremendous suffering and death. Particularly in the 20 th century, most countries as well as international organisations like the UN have taken strong steps to counter racism at a societal level, while outlawing acts of blatant racism or those linked to racist ideologies.

Despite these steps, in many cases, racism continues to be a problem. In the current context racism may be presented as concern about immigrants, refugees or asylum seekers, anti-terrorist measures, economic stability or even patriotism. In the period following the September 11th bombings in the US, the fallout of anti-terrorist measures has disproportionately affected certain minority groups, and this association of groups of people with terrorism or violence has resulted in a surge in attacks, discrimination and racist or xenophobic feelings. Particularly at risk are illegal immigrants, stateless people, the poor and ethnic or religious minorities living in states where their rights are inadequately recognised by the law. Globalisation has in many ways exacerbated the situation by increasingly bringing different peoples and communities into contact with one another, and facilitating the movements of peoples all over the globe. At current levels, one in fifty human beings live outside their countries of origin.

The following are some of the issues and questions that were addressed during the meeting:

• Traditionally, some of the root causes of racism and xenophobia have been linked to greed (for example slavery for its economic benefits), ignorance and superstitions (for example believing that certain races are inherently superior), ideology (for example Nazism), and fear (for example anti-immigration feelings because of a perceived threat to local culture or demographics). Of course the four are interrelated, and can be used to justify each other. Are there differences between “traditional” and “modern-day” racism and xenophobia? What are the root-causes of modern-day racism and xenophobia? How can they be addressed?

• Human-rights groups have repeatedly appealed to governments to be careful in their campaigns regarding refugees, asylum seekers and ethnic minorities in particular, so as not to use language that may legitimise discrimination towards these people. This has been particularly urgent in the post 9-11 period where in some cases, large-scale suspicion and mistrust have prevailed against groups of people who are seen not to conform entirely to mainstream ideas and/or society. Particularly for the purposes of gaining votes, some politicians have pandered to the emotions of the some segments of their population by demonising refugees, asylum seekers or ethnic minorities. To what extent is this a problem in the various ASEM countries? What are the avenues of recourse for affected minorities?

• Stereotypes, as well as biased reporting by the media, can also have a profound impact on the impressions of the population with regard to certain groups of people. Sensationalist coverage often results in disproportionate reporting on certain groups that presents an exaggerated impression of the reality. What are the various methods available for monitoring reporting in the media? Who are the major actors that are in a position to monitor reporting in the media?

• Starting from the premise that education is a big factor in influencing the thinking of individuals and can often shape their thinking towards other communities as well as their behaviours, this meeting will examine the role of education in perpetuating racism or xenophobia. Included in this topic will be a case study on the sometimes-controversial issue of the representation of history in school textbooks.

[1] Definition taken from a discussion paper entitled “International Migration, Racism, Discrimination and Xenophobia,” prepared by the International Labour Office (ILO), International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Office of the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

In advance of the meeting, the Asia Europe Foundation hired a researcher to prepare a briefing paper on the major themes of the meeting. This report is distributed to all participants prior to their arrival, and serves as an important introduction. Please download it below: