There is an annual observation of the International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21. This day is the same day in 1960 when policemen in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire which led to the death of 69 people at a peaceful Protest against apartheid ‘pass laws.’ Following this, there was an adoption of a program of activities by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979, to be done in the second half of the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination.
Through the UN’s GA, the occasion declared that there would be an annual organization of a week of solidarity for people struggling against racial issues in all states, starting from March 21. This declaration led to the dismantling of the Apartheid system in South Africa. Many countries have banned racist laws and practices, while the UN have constructed an international framework to combat racism that is guided by the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Special measures are being taken to expunge RD.
According to the General Assembly, all human beings are born free with equal rights and dignity and potential for constructive contribution to the development and growth of their communities. In the UN’s most recent resolution, emphasis was also placed on the scientific falsehood of any doctrine of racial superiority, with a description of it being dangerous, morally condemnable, socially unjust and should be rejected; likewise theories that attempt a determination of the existence of separate human races.
All core international Human Rights tools have prohibition of racial discrimination enshrined in them as issue has been a UN concern since its establishment. These instruments enforce obligations on the States, tasking them with eradication of discrimination in public and private sectors. Adoption of special measures to expunge conditions that cause or contribute to the perpetuation of racial discrimination is required of States, according to the principle of equality. Still, many individuals, communities and societies suffer racism-related injustice and stigma.
UDHR adoption’s 75th year anniversary & IDERD.
The theme for the 2023 international day commemoration focuses on the “urgency of combatting racism and racial discrimination,” 75 years after the adoption of Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR asserts that everyone has entitlement to all rights and freedoms, regardless of any kind like race, color and others. Despite this assertion, this issue keeps affecting people around the world. The 75th year anniversary of UDHR adoption is projected to encourage States to take appropriate steps to promote equality.
United Nations’ Secretary-general Antonio Guterres, described the issue as one that affects every country, deeply damaging and abusing human rights and human dignity. It is a destructive force that divides societies and causes death and suffering on a large scale in history. Racism and discrimination, when used by governments and other notable authorities, constitutes situations that could result into violence and other atrocious crimes. Xenophobia, hate speech and prejudice are trending in many countries of the world with political leaders scapegoating minorities and migrants.
Member States commit to totally erasing RD & bigotry.
António Guterres added that resistance and reversal of trends like Social Media monetizing of racism on the internet and artificial intelligence’s reproduction of digital discrimination should be encouraged, condemning and eradicating it in all spheres. In this year’s anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), member States are advised to pledge commitment to erasing racism and racial discrimination, upholding the rights and dignity of every person, everywhere. Therefore, leaders are urged to speak out and take action.
