Voices of Youth Heard at International Forum on Racism Dr. Hedy Fry Encouraged by Results
OTTAWA, March 5, 2000 -- The Honourable Hedy Fry, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of women) today addressed the closing ceremony of the International Youth Forum on Racism, officially concluding the Government of Canada's "Racism. Stop It! Action 2000" Initiative. The Forum was a joint initiative of the Multiculturalism Program and the Millennium Bureau of Canada."What I have heard over the last two days was that young people want their voices to be heard. The momentum generated by their energy and commitment was overwhelming," said Dr. Fry. "Not only are they the leaders of tomorrow, they are taking a very active role today in ending racism in Canada and around the world."
Altogether, more than 200 young people from Canada and around the world, were at the Forum this weekend to explore how youth can forge an agenda in the global struggle against racism and gain an international voice on this crucial social issue. "Racism is a universal sickness which if not given proper medication, will destroy the world, its beauty and its peoples," said Boniface U. Mazilazila of South Africa. "Therefore only one language and medication is needed: education to stop racism now and appropriate economic development for the poor nations of the world."
The Forum served as a youth preparatory meeting leading to the United Nations World Conference on Racism to be held in 2001 and addressed the development and implementation of a Global Youth Network. Participants also discussed ethnic hatred and the promotion of peace and conflict resolution.
"Racism is a disease that has affected all corners of the world in horrific proportions," said Ryan Ling of Victoria, British Columbia. "Finally, our leaders have recognized the best solution is to invest in tomorrow today. Break the cycle. Stop Racism." Renada Johnson of Maryland, United States went on to say: "We must all realize that this Forum brought awareness to the issue of racism all across the world, but it did not stop racism. We as individuals are the ones who will stop racism in the way that we live our lives. We must have a conviction in our hearts to stop racism every day. People do what you do, not what you say."
The "Racism. Stop It! Action 2000" initiative is a special millennium project that builds upon the growing success of the Multiculturalism Program's annual March 21 Campaign commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. "Racism. Stop It! Action 2000" activities included the Motorola Tour Canada Youth Challenge and the Panasonic Stop Racism National Video Competition. Outstanding teams of Canadian and international youth who participated in those projects attended the Forum. The initiative is supported across Canada by the YWCA of Canada and Boys & Girls Club of Canada. The participation of international youth is supported by the Canada International Development Agency (CIDA).
Information:
Thoren Hudyma
Office of the Secretary of State
(Multiculturalism) (Status)
(819) 997-9900
Chantal Reinert
Press Secretary
Deputy Prime Minister's Office
(613) 952-4921
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