The United Nations (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is annually observed across the globe on 21st March to create awareness about the challenges faced by people of African descent. The day also offers a platform to promote a global culture of tolerance, equality, and anti-discrimination.
Theme:
The theme of the 2024 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is “A Decade of Recognition, Justice, and Development: Implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent”.
- This 2024 theme is associated with the observance of the International Decade for People of African Descent: 2015 to 2024.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/2142(XXI), on 26th October 1966 and proclaimed the 21st March of every year as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
ii.The first-ever International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was observed on 21st March 1967.
Why March 21?
The observance commemorates the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre.
On 21st March 1960, the South African Police (SAP) in Sharpeville, Transvaal Province of the Union of South Africa (today part of Gauteng, South Africa), opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960.
“Learn, Speak Up, Act”:
i.In 2023, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) launched a two-year campaign, “Learn, Speak Up, Act”, a part of the #FightRacism campaign.
ii.The campaign aims to raise global awareness about the issues and inspire people to mobilize action against racism.
Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA):
i.The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA) is the UN’s blueprint to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
ii.DDPA was produced in 2001 during the World Conference against Racism held in Durban, South Africa.
Related observances:
i.In 2013, UN proclaimed the International Decade for People of African Descent commencing on 1st January 2015 and ending on 31st December 2024, with the theme “People of African descent: recognition, justice and development.”
ii.In 2009, UN proclaimed the year 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent.
About Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights)
The UN Human Rights Office and the mechanisms we support work on a wide range of human rights topics
High Commissioner– Volker Türk (Austria)
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
