Professor Chen Shiqiu made the statement at the ongoing UN 54th Session of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.

"We must be clearly aware that the struggle against racism remains an uphill and prolonged endeavor, and the objectives of the eradication of racial discrimination are far from achieved," said Chen.

He pointed out that the economic globalization is gaining momentum. While promoting the development of international economy, it also widens the gap between the rich and the poor.

He said neo-fascism, neo-Nazism, xenophobia and discrimination against migrant workers are frequently seen in some developed countries.

"Since the September 11 event, certain countries, in their combat against terrorism, have introduced some new forms of discrimination against people with specific ethnic and religious background," Professor Chen added.

He said as an important subsidiary body and the "Think Tank" of the Commission on Human Rights, the Sub-Commission can make multi-faceted contributions in the fight against racism.

The Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, the Commission on Human Rights' principal subsidiary organ, is holding its fifty-fourth session at the Palais des Nations in Geneva from July 29 to August 16, 2002.

Created by the Commission on Human Rights in 1947, the Sub-Commission is made up of 26 experts from five regional groups.

Among the issues on its provisional agenda for this year's session, the Sub-Commission will examine, among others, questions related to the administration of justice, economic, social and cultural rights, prevention of discrimination and protection of indigenous peoples, minorities, women, slaves.

( August 13, 2002)