Canada marks Tuesday the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In interview at Dutythree experts draw the outlines of a polarizing debate.
Whether we call it systemic or not, racism is unfortunately still rampant in Quebec. In search of a better listening on the part of the government on this thorny problem, the Commission of the rights of the person and the rights of the youth (CDPDJ) organizes Tuesday a conference in the metropolis, in which the United Nations Committee for the elimination of racial discrimination by the presence of its vice-president, Tina Stavrinaki.
This supranational organization does not come to Montreal to preach morality, but rather to suggest a “standard”, nuance Mme Stavrinaki. “It is not international law that comes and imposes. It is necessary to better understand how international law can be a tool by its standard, but it is implemented at the national level, at the level of the cities as well. »
At his side, Roda Muse, Secretary General of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, and Myrlande Pierre, Vice-President of the CDPDJ, approve.
The need is great in Quebec. At the City of Montreal, the racial discrimination complaint process is leading to a dead end, a recent investigation by the Duty. The solution goes through several paths, says Mme Rock. “It is not through an isolated measure, but through a multiplicity of complementary measures, where each interlocutor plays his role and assumes responsibility. »
The commission she co-chairs notes this; decision-makers are increasingly taking the initiative themselves to ask for help in managing diversity issues at the head of Quebec institutions. “The human rights commission is increasingly challenged by the institutions,” she confirms.
In these, less than 10% of management positions are occupied by a visible minority person, according to a recent report on the access of visible minorities to employment in the province’s public sector.
Behind this problem, however, many advances are hidden. Quebec municipalities are leading the charge against racism, raises Roda Muse. A hundred Canadian cities have been forming a “coalition of inclusive municipalities” for some time, and “the first to sign this designation is Gatineau,” she says.
“Open Dialog”
Bochra Manaï, the commissioner of the Office for the fight against racism and systemic discrimination at the City of Montreal, will also participate in Tuesday’s conference.
Despite the polarization of the debate, the space for “open dialogue”, which includes the representation of groups affected by racism, must not be lost. Without discussion, no salvation, they proclaim in chorus.
“Democratic dialogue” is the “basis for a just and inclusive society”, insists Roda Muse.
“This ability of people to be able to express what bothers them, what hurts them, and their ability to engage in a discussion with their government, this dialogue is there. It continues with the most senior officials in several areas. That’s a very good practice, ”she says.
“The transparency of the rules, of the dialogue allows any good practice to be truly effective, to have practices that are close to the community. The community knows best,” adds Tina Stavrinaki.
Tuesday’s conference is sold out. The event will be broadcast live on the Internet.