"Madame President, the Czech Republic will vote against the draft resolution due to many references to the Durban process, a platform that has been used for spreading hatred and intolerance and for attacks against Israel. For these reasons, the Czech Republic also did not attend the Durban event on 22nd September 2021 in New York. We would like to stress that the Czech Republic firmly rejects all forms of racism, xenophobia, and discrimination on any ground, both at home and around the world. The prohibition of racial as well as other types of discrimination is enshrined in the Czech constitution. We are committed to fighting racism and we will work hard towards effective implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. This convention is the basis and the key reference for any global call for concrete action against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. The Czech Republic has repeatedly condemned all manifestations of racism and xenophobia. Racism is contrary to our values, it threatens social cohesion, and is a significant barrier to the realization of human rights. Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance are problems faced by all societies throughout the world. No continent is spared from these phenomena, and the fight against them can only be successful when fought on national, regional, and international levels, with the same determination. We call upon all states to strive for the universal ratification of the ICERD and for its full implementation. Only by common approach and joint action can we achieve a world free of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. I thank you."