Hands Up for People of Every Race and Place

20/03/02

Celebrating New Zealand’s tolerance for ethnic and cultural diversity will be one of the themes of Race Unity Day today.

Race Relations Commissioner Gregory Fortuin said that the Human Rights Commission was pleased with the high level of support for Race Unity Day that New Zealanders had expressed.

“The Commission feels that the degree of interest we’ve received from people and organisations from around the country confirms that most New Zealanders appreciate and have embraced our growing diversity; this in itself needs to be celebrated”.

Race Unity Day is the annual United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racism. In order to raise awareness of the day, this year the Commission has co-ordinated nationwide celebrations.

“We want to encourage as many New Zealanders as possible to say ‘Hands up for people of every race and place’ and to spread the message that all the people of our richly diverse nation are equally valued,” said Mr Fortuin.

For information about Race Unity Day events please call Cheryl Gable on 09 375 8616 or Marianne Elliott on 04 471 6742.

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