Examination of contemporary manifestations of racism should address issues of environmental racism. In many countries people of African-descent, Indigenous Peoples and ethnic minorities are those who are more likely than Whites to live in environmental harzardous conditions and near uncontrolled toxic waste sites. Indigenous Peoples lands and sacred places are home to extensive mining operations and radioactive waste sites. A double standard exists as to what practices are acceptable in certain communities, villages or cities and not in others. As a consequence, the residents of these communities suffer shorter life spans, higher infant and adult mortality, poor health, poverty, diminished economic opportunities, substandard housing, and an overall degrading of quality of life.
Politicians often use foreigners as a scapegoat for domestic political and economic problems.
There are increasing incidents of hostility and violence towards foreigners, whether legal migrants, undocumented workers, refugees, or asylum-seekers. Undocumented migrants, particularly migrant women, are especially vulnerable. Governments should be encouraged to sign and to ratify the Convention on the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. Governments should commit themselves to addressing the causes which force people to leave their communities, such as persecution, human rights violations, war, poverty, and environmental degradation. Governments should develop awareness-raising programs about the reasons for migration, the contributions which migrants make to their societies, and the need to appreciate the rich variety of cultures in the world.