World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance

The issues before the World Conference are Prevention of Ethnic Conflict, A Review of the Phenomenon of Double Discrimination Against Women and Children, and The Relationship Between Racism and Poverty.  The Republic of Macedonia fully recognizes the immense and on-going problems of all types of racism and discrimination.  We wholly understand the problems created by globalization in this area, but at the same time realize the need for the continuing world economic, cultural, political, and technological development. The Republic of Macedonia supports the United Nation’s commitment to addressing these issues.

1. Prevention of Ethnic Conflict

The Republic of Macedonia believes that territorial integrity and sovereignty, as defined in the United Nations Charter, are the foundation from which ethnic conflict should be addressed.  Before we can truly address the issue of ethnic conflict, we must first address structures within nations.  Since 1991, when the Republic of Macedonia declared our independence, we have been victim to five wars. However, we have revived ourselves, strengthened our government and are moving toward a market economy. Nations must pursue democracy with vigor and the United Nations must promote democracy.  Through corruption-free democracy, all voices can be heard.  All minorities and marginalized peoples1. Prevention of Ethnic Conflict can gain rights and make change.  Ethnic conflict can be prevented through this power sharing. With this in mind we strongly support the OSCE and Stability Pact for South-East Europe. These plans can serve as preventive mechanisms for future war outbreaks due to ethnic and territorial conflict. The three main demographics of the plan include democratization and human rights, economic reconstruction, and security; all of which the Republic of Macedonia recognize as for-running issues. Additionally, we have supported past efforts put forth by the United Nations. The Republic of Macedonia supported the preventive force deployed in 1993 to provide stability to our nation.  We support future such forces while simultaneously respecting state sovereignty.  The Republic of Macedonia endorses regional organizations such as the European Union and the OSCE and believes that these organizations are vital to preventative measures and mediation between parties involved in ethnic conflict.  With these recommendations in mind, the Republic of Macedonia would like to join the General Assembly in its efforts to prevent ethnic conflict.

2. The Phenomenon of Double Discrimination of Women and Children

The Republic of Macedonia understands first hand the plight of women and children because of our acceptance of 360,000 Kosovar refugees.  It is heartening to see that the United Nations has taken an interest in addressing the status of women and children.  We hope to be able to actively engage in a system that monitors the condition under which women and children live. In a project objective put forth by the OSCE, there is a plan to create a Legal Aid Network. This would serve to train countries on international human rights laws and create a database to keep track of participating countries. The Republic of Macedonia supports this plan and hopes that similar plans be suggested in all regions of the world. In addition, we have signed onto the “Women can do it” training, and “Gender Equality Machinery” in which we assist our women in having active roles in government and society. Nations that voluntarily comply with United Nations declarations and covenants by attempting to improve the lives of women and children deserve support and assistance from the United Nations.  The spread of education and technology are key to the success of these nations and the success of the United Nations in fighting this phenomenon.  It is the responsibility of all nations to join together to protect our women and children.

3. Racism and Poverty

The Republic of Macedonia is strongly committed to fighting the link between racism and poverty through a more equitable spread of globalization.  It is obvious to us that race and poverty share a direct correlation, so the United Nations must address the root of poverty.  Since the boom of globalization, an ever-increasing unequal distribution of the benefits of globalization has developed.  Nations such as the Republic of Macedonia struggle to claim a secure place in the global market.  Technology and profits from globalization have yet to flow to the developing world and struggling nations such as the Republic of Macedonia.  In order to level the global market, the United Nations should actively engage in the spread of technology and promote equality within countries.  The Republic of Macedonia encourages the active participation of our minority, the Albanians, in political affairs.  The United Nations must advocate the participation of minorities and indigenous peoples in all areas including politics, economics, culture, education, and social development.

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