Today, more than 2,000 tribes and ethnic groups are represented in over 100,000 local Baha'i communities in the 165 independent countries in which Baha'is reside. Finally, the varied racial and cultural composition of the Baha'i International Community - including representatives of many indigenous populations - testifies to the practical realization of the principle of racial equality and unity within the world-wide Baha'i community. Furthermore, the Baha'i principle of consultation ensures that each individual's voice is heard and is seriously considered. In Baha'i elections, there is no campaigning and each Baha'i is exhorted to vote by secret ballot for the individuals best qualified, without regard to race as a consequence, the governing bodies of Baha'i communities manifest a diverse racial composition. In Baha'i communities at the local and national levels, individuals of all races associate regularly and freely, in complete amity and concord. The everyday principles by which Baha'is and Baha'i communities conduct their lives offer further testimony to the deep commitment felt by Baha'is to the principle of racial unity. They have participated in human rights conferences and seminars, and have actively sponsored commemorations of Human Rights Day and Race Unity Day in their individual localities. Baha'i communities world-wide have co-operated with United Nations programmes in the field of eradicating racial discrimination. In classes conducted by Baha'i communities in over 100 countries, children are being instructed in the principles of racial unity and equality and become aware of the problems of racial prejudice and discrimination. Throughout the world, Baha'is and Baha'i communities are striving to put these principles into practice. "Close your eyes to racial differences and welcome all with the light of oneness."īecause Baha'is attach such a great importance to encouraging unity, each Baha'i, while taking pride in his unique racial, ethnic or cultural heritage, seeks above all to recognize and foster the common human and spiritual bonds that unite the human family - a family rich in the diversity of races and cultures that compose it. The principles of the oneness of mankind and of unity in diversity necessitate, on the other hand, an emphasis on developing unity among human beings of all races, colours and ethnic origins. If any discrimination is at all to be tolerated, it should be a discrimination not against, but rather in favour of, the minority, be it racial or otherwise. Baha'is believe that: to discriminate against any race, on the ground of its being socially backward, politically immature, and numerically in a minority, is a flagrant violation of the spirit that animates the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh. In consequence of this belief, Baha'is recognize the equality of all races and strive to eliminate all forms of racial prejudice and discrimination. Baha'is regard every human being as equal in the eyes of God. On the one hand, these principles imply a recognition of the value and worth of each human being and of his contribution to society, regardless of his race, colour or ethnic or cultural background. Baha'is are working to establish a world civilization, guided by the underlying principles of the oneness of mankind and of the attainment of unity in diversity. The principles of racial equality and racial unity are central to the Baha'i teachings. Motivated by these convictions, it is our purpose in this statement to outline the Baha'i view of racial discrimination and racial equality, to summarize the manifold steps already being undertaken by Baha'is around the world to eliminate racial discrimination, and finally, to propose a practical programme for the elimination of racial discrimination that governments can now adopt and implement. We are convinced that the elimination of racial discrimination and racial prejudice is one of the most pressing imperatives of our time, and that the international community must now take concrete steps to address urgently, forthrightly and wholeheartedly the global problem of racial discrimination. The Baha'i International Community is pleased to participate in this Second World Conference to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination.
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