International Conference on Human Rights Asks Outlawing of Racist Propaganda

A report recommending the outlawing of anti-racial and religious propaganda was adopted here today at a meeting of the International Consultative Conference on Human Rights which is being attended by 100 delegates from 15 nations. The report stresses the need for effective legislation and education to eradicate anti-Semitism.

Where legislation prohibiting the carrying on of racist activity exists, it must be made more effective, the report states, adding that discrimination in employment should be made a criminal offense. It further proposes the banning of discrimination in educational institutions and charges educational authorities with the task of keeping the minds of school children free of bias. Religious leaders are similarly urged to make certain that religious bias does not enter into the education of the youth.

The report also suggests that bogus Nazi race doctrines should be refuted scientifically. It recommends that the press be asked to eliminate racial stigmas from news items. Finally, it asks that religious, labor, cultural and civic groups remove anti-Semitism from their own ranks and see to it that prejudice is stamped out in their communities.

The report charges that “since the defeat of fascism many fascists and anti-Semites are safe to begin operations once more.” It accuses the governments of many countries of “a practiced, though unwritten, policy of excluding or restricting the immigration of Jews. On the other hand,” it continues, “they allow the entry of known pro-Nazi groups and elements.”

The delegates decided to ask their own organizations for approval of a proposal to appoint a provisional Human Rights Committee to call an international congress in Brussels next April to stimulate civil rights activity in all countries. The congress will also coordinate its activities with the United Nations Human Rights Commission.