Original title: Belgian carnival is the first in the world to be excluded from the intangible cultural heritage due to discrimination against Jews
UNESCO has decided to remove the carnival in Ulster, Belgium, from the list of representative works of intangible cultural heritage of mankind, because of the elements of discrimination against Jews in this year's Carnival activities. As a result, Ulster Carnival became the first cultural custom to be removed from the list of intangible cultural heritage in the world.
The decision was made by the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the protection of intangible cultural heritage held in Bogota, Colombia, on the 13th, the New York Times reported on the 14th.
The decision stated that the committee's decision was based on both a proposal by the UNESCO Secretariat and a written request from the Belgian government, as well as the fact that the recurrence of racist and anti Semitic elements was inconsistent with the basic principles of the 2003 Convention for the protection of intangible cultural heritage, especially its Article 2 - "only considering conformity with existing international human rights instruments" The need for mutual respect among communities, groups and individuals and the intangible cultural heritage conforming to sustainable development.
The decision also states that UNESCO adheres to the fundamental principles of dignity, equality and mutual respect for all peoples and condemns all forms of racism, anti Semitism and xenophobia. Claudia, Austria's representative to UNESCO, said, "we can't turn a blind eye to such anti Semitic incidents in Europe. 85 years ago, Austrians chose to be indifferent when Jews were attacked. History can't be repeated '.
The carnival of Ulster, which was selected into the list of representative works of intangible cultural heritage of mankind in 2010, is a traditional festival in Ulster, Belgium, and is held before Easter every year. Organizers said the carnival aims to celebrate the unity of the small city of Ulster. But this year's Carnival, a parade float decorated with the image of a Jew with a hooked nose and sitting on a money bag, was criticized by some anti discrimination organizations.