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Canada

Canada is ranked among the world's most racially tolerant societies, despite a complex history of
racial discrimination spanning several centuries. While Canada's multiculturalism and diversity are
often celebrated, it is crucial to recognize the challenges and injustices that various racial and
ethnic groups have faced throughout its history.

The colonization of Canada by European powers greatly affected Indigenous peoples. Policies like
the residential school system, which separated Indigenous children from their families and
cultures, led to cultural genocide. Furthermore, biased practices and policies related to land
rights, education, and healthcare have marginalized Indigenous communities.

Canadian law uses the term "visible minority" to refer to people of colour (excluding aboriginal
Canadians). This term was introduced by the Employment Equity Act of 1995.[14] However, the
UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has stated that some minorities may
find this term objectionable, and recommended an evaluation of its use.

In 1914, the Komagata Maru, a ship with 376 passengers, primarily Sikhs, was barred from
entering Canada. These passengers sought improved economic opportunities. However, due to
discriminatory immigration policies, the ship was compelled to return to India. This incident
underscored the systemic racism that South Asian communities experienced.

Israel

Racial discrimination in Israel is a complex and evolving issue that encompasses various forms of
racism. This issue includes instances of racism experienced in Israel, regardless of the race or creed of
the perpetrator or victim. It applies irrespective of their citizenship, residency, or visitor status.

Israel was established in 1948, and its creation was accompanied by the displacement of
Palestinian Arabs. This event, known as the Nakba (Arabic for "catastrophe"), resulted in a
large number of Palestinian refugees and set the stage for ongoing tensions between Jewish
and Arab communities.

The Israeli-Arab conflict has played a significant role in the dynamics of racial discrimination.
Palestinian Arabs, who make up a substantial minority within Israel, have often faced
challenges in terms of political representation, access to resources, and equal treatment.
Critics argue that policies related to land distribution, infrastructure development, and
resource allocation have disproportionately favoured Jewish Israelis.

Arab citizens of Israel, who make up about 20% of the population, have historically faced various
forms of discrimination. While they have legal rights, some argue that they have experienced
unequal treatment in areas such as education, employment, and housing. However, it's important to
note that there are also Arab citizens who have achieved success in various fields in Israel.
Malaysia

Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country with a diverse population consisting of


Malays, Chinese, Indians, and various indigenous groups. The issue of racial discrimination in
Malaysia has historical roots and is closely tied to the country's complex social, economic,
and political dynamics.

Malaysia was under British colonial rule until it gained independence in 1957. The British
implemented policies that favoured certain ethnic groups over others, contributing to social
and economic disparities. This legacy had a lasting impact on the distribution of wealth and
opportunities among the different communities.

In 1971, the Malaysian government introduced the New Economic Policy (NEP) in response
to the racial riots of 1969. The NEP aimed to address economic imbalances by promoting
affirmative action programs to uplift the economic status of the majority Malay population,
often at the expense of the Chinese and Indian communities. The policy included quotas for
Malay participation in various sectors, such as education, government, and business.

Affirmative action policies, including quotas in education and employment, were


implemented to promote the economic advancement of the Malay majority. While these
policies were intended to reduce disparities, they also sparked debates about fairness and
created tensions between different ethnic groups.

Malaysia has experienced occasional ethnic tensions, notably the race riots of 1969. These
tensions were fueled by economic disparities, political competition, and social factors. The
government responded with policies aimed at promoting national unity, including the
institutionalization of Malay as the official language and the promotion of a national identity
known as "Bangsa Malaysia" (Malaysian race).

United States

The history of racial discrimination in the United States is deeply rooted in the country's past,
shaped by slavery, segregation, institutionalized racism, and ongoing struggles for civil
rights. Here is a brief overview of key milestones in the history of racial discrimination in the
U.S.

The institution of slavery was deeply embedded in the early history of the United States.
African slaves were forcibly brought to the American colonies to work on plantations,
contributing significantly to the economic development of the region. Slavery was not only
an economic system but also a social and legal structure that systematically denied basic
human rights to people of African descent.

The Civil War was fought, in part, over the issue of slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation,
issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, declared all slaves in Confederate-held
territory to be free. The 13th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1865, officially
abolished slavery in the United States.
The period following the Civil War known as Reconstruction aimed to rebuild the South and
establish civil rights for freed slaves. However, Reconstruction was marked by resistance from
white supremacist groups, leading to the establishment of Jim Crow laws and the
institutionalization of segregation.

Jim Crow laws enforced racial segregation in public facilities, schools, transportation, and
other aspects of daily life in the Southern United States. African Americans faced systemic
discrimination and violence, and their political and economic rights were severely restricted.

The Civil Rights Movement emerged as a response to the systemic racism and discrimination
faced by African Americans. Led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., the movement sought
to end segregation, secure voting rights, and address economic inequality.

Kenya

The history of racial discrimination in Kenya is complex and has been shaped by various
factors, including colonialism, struggles for independence, and post-independence
challenges.

Kenya was a British colony from the late 19th century until gaining independence in 1963.
During this period, the British implemented policies that favoured European settlers over the
indigenous African population. Land dispossession, forced labour, and unequal access to
resources were among the discriminatory practices that characterized the colonial era.

The British colonial government implemented land policies that favoured European settlers,
leading to the dispossession of large tracts of land from indigenous communities. This had
profound social and economic implications, as it disrupted traditional lifestyles and
contributed to socio-economic inequalities along racial lines.

The Mau Mau Uprising was a key turning point in Kenya's struggle for independence.
Indigenous Kikuyu people, who were particularly affected by land dispossession, formed the
Mau Mau movement to resist British colonial rule. The British responded with brutal counter-
insurgency measures, including the establishment of detention camps. The Mau Mau
Rebellion exposed the racial inequalities inherent in the colonial system and fueled
nationalist sentiments.

Kenya gained independence from British colonial rule on December 12, 1963, and Jomo
Kenyatta became the country's first president. While independence marked the end of formal
colonial rule, it did not immediately eliminate racial disparities. European settlers and Asians
continued to play significant roles in the economy, and their privileged status persisted in
certain sectors.

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