Today on 21 March we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
The day marks the anniversary of when police in Sharpeville, South Africa open fired into a crowd of peaceful protestors in opposition to apartheid. Sixty-nine people were murdered, and 180 others were injured. “There is still a danger that racial prejudices, by arbitrarily dividing women and men, continue to thwart their aspirations for peace,” stated Audrey Azoulay Director-General, on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. “UNESCO condemns those prejudices and fights them tirelessly.”
The UN believes racism continues to poison institutions, social structures, and everyday life across all societies. So this year’s theme for International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2022 is “Voices for Action Against Racism.”
ACTION AGAINST RACISM
Racism “continues to be a driver of persistent inequality…; to deny people their fundamental human rights”, stated Secretary-General António Guterres in an address to the General Assembly, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. He argued that racism destabilizes communities worldwide; “undermines democracies, erodes the legitimacy of governments, and stymies an inclusive and sustainable recovery from Covid-19″.
Commemorated annually on 21 March, Guterres described the day as “both a day of recognition and an urgent call to action”. He called for a rights-based social contract “to tackle poverty and exclusion; invest in education; and rebuild trust and social cohesion.”
TACKLING RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
Across the world, businesses and organisations honour this important day, through a wide range of activities and events. The UN will hold a debate in commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on Monday 28 March 2022; (10am-12pm CET) at Palais des Nations in Geneva. The panel discussion will gather speakers who are known for their active role in the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance; and who are from diverse backgrounds. They will share their experiences and will advocate in favour of listening to those who face racial discrimination. You can watch it live on the day here.
Recent events have made it clearer than ever before; everyone must use their voice to speak against racism. It’s never too late to read works on anti-racism; join anti-racism community groups; donate to organisations combating racism; contact your MP about improving racial equality legislation; and to speak to your friends and family about these issues.
Last year, the World Economic Forum launched a coalition with business leaders to tackle workplace racism. Click here to read more.
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