It also called for open platforms for youths and various groups in society to discuss and address the issue of racial discrimination in Malaysia.

In a statement to commemorate International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination today, Suhakam said the use of online technology has grown exponentially following the Covid-19 pandemic and practice of new norms to communicate and disseminate information among all levels of community.

Unfortunately, it said, social media has been misused by some quarters for public shaming and blaming, with verbal attacks, racist and xenophobic statements published targeting particular ethnicities and nationalities.

“The majority of social media users are youths, and without proper guidance, will risk exacerbating racist and intolerant attitudes,” it said.

It proposed intercultural dialogues to promote mutual tolerance and respect, and emphasised the need for a culture of tolerance, equality and non-discrimination among youths, who had the potential to develop a just, peaceful and sustainable society in the future.

Suhakam also reiterated its call to the government to accede to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), saying it would serve as a catalyst for a more concerted effort to promote and protect human rights.

The theme for this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is “Youth standing up against racism”, which recognises the increasing role of youth in society and in charting the future of the nation.