Internet poses challenges in fighting racism worldwide, UN expert
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Mutuma Ruteere, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism,racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
The Internet is posing challenges to governments that want to combat racism, according to Mutuma Ruteere, the United Nations independent expert on racism.
The UN Special Rapporteur on racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance spoke to reporters on Monday after presenting two reports to the General Assembly.
The first report was on racism and the Internet and the second on the problem of groups and movements that contribute to the fuelling of racism and racial discrimination globally.
Mr. Ruteere said that racist groups around the world are now using the Internet to spread their racist propaganda and recruit members, particularly the youth.
"I have also pointed out in this report that the Internet poses specific challenges to states that seek to combat the problem of racism and racial discrimination because of its borderless nature, because of the complex nature of technology but also because at the international level there are clear differences on exactly the legal definitions of what might constitute content that needs to be regulated." (Duration: 26")
Mr. Ruteere added that at the same time, the Internet is also an important tool in combating racism and should therefore not be seen as only presenting news challenges but also opportunities.
