Speech given to the United Nations by Selassie in 1968. The basis for
the
Bob Marley song
War.
LIFE
What life has taught me on the question of racial discrimination, I
like to share with those who want to learn.
That until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another
inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned.
That until there are no longer first class and second class citizens of any nation;
That until the color of a man's skin is no more significance than the color of his eyes:
That until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all, without regard to race;
That until that day, the dream of lasting peace and world citizenship
and the rule of international morality will remain but a fleeting illusion
to be pursued but never attained;
And until the ignoble and unhappy regimes that hold our brothers in Angola, in Mozambique
and in South Africa in sub-human bondage have been toppled and destroyed;
Until bigotry and prejudice and malicious and inhuman self interest have been replaced by
understanding and tolerance and goodwill;
Until all Africans stand and speak as free beings, equal in the eyes of the Almighty;
Until that day, the African continent will not know peace. We Africans will fight,
if necessary, and we know that we shall win, as we are confident in
the victory of good over evil.
It will be self deceiving and a waste of time to advocate dialogue with those who are
not ready to listen, because it is obvious that the freedom of millions is not
a commodity subject to bargaining.