BBM: End Asian hate, racism

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) called for an end to racism and hate crimes against Asians.

In his speech at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly here, Marcos said a fair international system should work for the most vulnerable sectors of society.

“Our work must also focus on ensuring that the international system remains fair not only for all states but more importantly for all peoples. This system must work for the most vulnerable, especially the marginalized, migrants and refugees,” Marcos said.

A string of hate crimes against Asians, including Filipinos, have been recorded in the United States in the past few years.

“The world has witnessed the enduring contribution of migrants in the fight against this pandemic. We still dream of an end to the disturbing incidents of racism, of Asian hate, of all prejudice,” he added.

Marcos cited the joint program of the Philippines and the United Nations on human rights as an example of a constructive approach that puts a premium on people, not politics.

“It provides a model for revitalizing the structures that facilitate solidarity between the United Nations and the sovereign dutybearer,” he said.

Marcos said persisting inequalities and inequities within and among countries demand urgent action.

“Therein lies our fourth transcendent challenge. This injustice was evident during the pandemic, when the richer nations immediately received vaccines at the expense of the have-nots,” he said.