Declaration
120. Globalisation including structural adjustment policies, privatisation, trade liberalisation
and unequal terms of trade create new and exacerbate already existing conditions of exclusion of
all individuals and communities, particularly women, who are the victims of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
121. We denounce processes of globalisation that concentrate power in the hands of powerful
Western nations and multinational corporations, and that has an impact on every aspect of social
life in every country and region, as racist and unjust. It widens economic inequalities within and
between countries, further impoverishing and marginalizing masses of peoples, and places them
at risk to the demand for cheap and informal labour in labour-importing countries. Tools of
globalisation such as structural adjustment policies result in poverty, famine and the collapse of
health and educational systems. Globalisation leads to economic and social disintegration,
unemployment and marginalisation. It particularly implies both feminisation and racialisation of
poverty. Compensatory measures must be extended in this context.
122. The processes of social exclusion that accompany globalisation create situations of
polarisation that result in the disintegration of local communities and countries, sometimes
leading to an increase in organised crime and ethnic conflicts.
123. Globalisation is the continuation of colonial and imperial control. It is inherently racist
and anti-democratic, and creates a network of laws and policies that unevenly integrate the world
through markets, trade, transnational corporations and information and communication
technology.
124. The wealth and the power of globalisation is concentrated in the global capitalist class
and is inherently linked to racism and casteism, including environmental racism, and leading to
many different forms of violence, militarisation and nuclearisation of countries and cities. The
UN itself is shaped by the same powers that control the process of globalisation.
125. New commodities, information and communication technologies that are apart
ofglobalisation process increase the gap among "have" and "have nots", creating a free market
for capitals and goods but restricting the movement of labour.
Programme of Action
338. We call upon the States to recognise that the exploitation of young peoples labour,
particularly those from indigenous and ethnic minorities and immigrant groups is exacerbated by
TNCs We urge States to protect their citizens by regulating these practices.
339. We insist that a code of conduct be developed and implemented to recognise the value of
the contribution made by young people and to ensure the protection of their security and
livelihood.
340. We note with concern the punitive reaction of many governments to the growing
expression of community disquiet as to the discriminatory effects of globalisation and urge them
instead to support a democratic and anti-racist globality. We urge States to ensure that their
decision making processes in relation to these issues both take into account and are accountable
to the communities that they represent.
341. We urge governments to take whatever steps are appropriate to ensure that the ownership
of knowledge including territory medicines, biodiversity and culture by indigenous peoples is
officially recognised. We call upon States to enforce and protect the intellectual property rights
of indigenous peoples, especially where the appropriation of this knowledge and violation of
these rights is an economic benefit to private organisations.
342. We urge States to recognise the racial dimension inherent in the unequal distribution of
resources through the process of globalisation. The racial aspect of globalisation is experienced
at international, national and local levels and requires organised preventative strategies at each of
these levels.
343. We call upon the governments of the North to reinforce the means of financial aid to
southern countries to devote a proper part of the aid to minority communities for their specific
structural development and needs such as education, training, helath care and housing.
344. Support "humanitarian business" calling for the presence of trained persons in
governmental and international institutions to enhance "corporate social responsibility".
