NEW YORK, USA — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. called for eliminating racism and Asian hate as he pledged to accelerate the implementation of a human rights joint program with the United Nations.
Marcos said this as he made his world debut at the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday afternoon, September 20 (New York time).
In his speech, Marcos said that the international system should remain fair and, more importantly, for everyone.
"This system must work for the most vulnerable, especially the marginalized, migrants and refugees. The world has witnessed the enduring contribution of migrants in the fight against this pandemic," he said.
"We still dream of an end to the disturbing incidents of racism, of Asian hate, of all prejudice," he added.
Cases of Asian Hate in New York ballooned following the Covid-19 pandemic. As of late August this year, there have been 43 reported crimes against Filipinos in the state.
According to the President, the Philippines-United Nations Joint Programme on Human Rights is an example of a constructive approach that "puts our people, not our politics, at the center of this work."
"It provides a model for revitalizing the structures that facilitates solidarity between the United Nations and a sovereign duty-bearer," he said.
The joint program seeks to affirm the country's commitment to human rights, the importance of free democratic space for civil society, and the principle of international cooperation.
The country is one of the original 51 charter members that created the United Nations in 1945.
In his speech, Marcos called on member states to help each other amid pressing global issues, including climate change and food security.
"I say let the challenges of one people be the challenges for all nations. And in that way, the success of one will be a success for us all," he said.