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UN chief Antonio Guterres said in the world about the continuing legacy of colonialism.

The Secretary General acts on Saturday via video link with a lecture in memory of the fighter against the apartheid regime in South Africa Nelson Mandela, born July 18, 1918.

"Global North, in particular, my own European continent, for centuries, imposed colonial rule in many countries of the global South through violence and coercion. Colonialism gave rise to huge disparities within countries and between them, including the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade, and apartheid… in South Africa," said Guterres.

He recalled that the establishment of the UN after the Second world war was based on a new global consensus in relation to equality and human dignity.

"In the world, a wave of decolonization. But let’s not kid ourselves: the legacy of colonialism is still making itself felt," – said the Secretary General.

This was, in his opinion, testify to the economic and social injustice, the growth of crimes of hatred and xenophobia, and "the continuing institutionalized racism and the idea of the superiority of the white race".

"We see this in the global trading system. Countries that were colonized are more likely to be a limited production of raw materials and low-tech goods" – said the Secretary General, calling it a new form of colonialism.

He pointed out that the remnants of colonialism are evident in the global system of relations between authorities. "Africa became a double victim. First, as the object of a colonial project. Secondly, African countries are underrepresented in international institutions that were created after the Second world war, before most of them gained independence," said Guterres.

"Countries that have succeeded 70 years ago, refuse to consider the reforms necessary to change power relations in international institutions. As example, the composition of the UN Security Council and the boards of Directors of the Bretton woods system and the right to vote in them," he said.

"Inequality starts from the very top: in the global institutions. Addressing inequities must begin with their reform" said UN Secretary-General.