Racial discrimination has been in a media quite a lot in the past year. The UN General Assembly called upon the international community take measures to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination when it proclaimed the day as a UN Day of observance in 1966. This was brought about following an incident known as the Sharpeville massacre, which captured worldwide attention. When police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid in Sharpeville, South Africa, on March 21, 1960.
It also called on all world states and organizations to participate in a program of action to combat racism and racial discrimination in 1983. It held the World Conference against Racism and Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance in 2001. The UN continues its work to fight against all forms of racial intolerance. Unfortunately it seems as if it is going to take more than one generation to achieve its aims.
Young people also have the option of posting their opinions regarding discussions on human rights and racial discrimination at Voices of Youth, which is UNICEF’s online bulletin board for young people. Contributors to Voices of Youth come from different parts of the world including Jamaica, Kazakhstan, and the Philippines. Other activities include essays, photo projects, and published articles that promote the fight against racial discrimination.
Previous Activities
Previous events include a webcast from the UN headquarters on March 21 featuring special appearances of UN leaders. Such events aim to help young people voice their opinions, find ways to fight racism, and promote tolerance in their communities and in their lives.
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is not a public holiday in countries such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Image from UN website https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-racism-day