CHAPTER 1 - REPORT OF THE EDUCATION AND PROMOTION WORKING GROUP It is time that authorities show more concern and implement the law. Accessibility should be accorded to all and not just able-bodied persons or it would be a form of discrimination. 5. HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE ARTS Exercising its mandate to extend awareness of human rights, the EWG invited artistes for a discussion of the role they could play. At a meeting on 4 April, it was agreed that human rights would be more attractive if it receives the attention of artistes, especially those of the younger generation. There was also consensus that more materials should be produced by way of movies and songs that demonstrate what human rights are about. However, the guidelines imposed by the Censorship Board often place constraints on their ability to express themselves in a creative manner. The Commission will pursue the dissemination of human rights awareness through the popular media and with the assistance of public figures. However, the guidelines imposed by the Censorship Board often place constraints on their ability to express themselves in a creative manner. 6. NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON NON-DISCRIMINATION AND ANTI-RACISM The preamble of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination states in part: Discrimination between human beings on the grounds of race, colour or ethnic origin is an obstacle to friendly and peaceful relations among nations and is capable of disturbing peace and security among peoples and the harmony of persons living side by side even within one and the same State. There is therefore a need to identify the challenges involved and ways to overcome these, so the people can continue to live in peace, harmony and with greater tolerance. In furtherance of this, the Commission co-organised a National Conference on Non-Discrimination and Anti-Racism with Pusat KOMAS and the Institute of Ethnic Studies, UKM. Issues and incidents of discrimination were discussed. Speakers and participants agreed that discriminatory practices are committed knowingly or unknowingly in Malaysia. More worrying is that some quarters have played the racial card to champion the so-called rights of their ethnic group, and that certain parties have adopted a racial stance to justify their actions or to defend their demands. Some official policies and decisions have raised questions and caused dissatisfaction among civil society. 35