UN calls for Colombia to outlaw racial discrimination

[Judi Lynn]

UN calls for Colombia to outlaw racial discrimination
Tuesday, 22 March 2011 10:55
Toni Peters

The U.N. calls for Colombia to criminalize discrimination against Afro-Colombians on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Spanish news agency EFE reported.

"Unfortunately racial discrimination is a reality in Colombia." said Christian Salazar, the country representative for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

He added that a law that criminalizes racial discrimination "will send a strong message to Colombian society that the rights and dignity of Afro-Colombians, Raizales and Palenqueros must be respected."

Raizales are people of African origin living in the San Andres archipelago whose ancestors were transported from English speaking Caribbean islands while Palenqueros are the inhabitants of communities founded by self liberated former slaves.

More:
http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/15063-racial-discrimination-in-colombia-must-be-criminalized-ohchr.html