International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination ‎

The United Nations chief is urging all nations to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, saying hatred, injustice and humiliation because of their skin colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, or other supposedly racial characteristics underpin oppression, poverty, slavery, genocide and war.  In a message for the March 21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Saturday, UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon said the observance is an opportunity to renew our commitment to building a world of justice and equality where xenophobia and bigotry do not exist. The theme of this year’s annual day was ““Learning from past tragedies to combat racism today.”  In his message, Ban wrote, “We must learn the lessons of history and acknowledge the profound damage caused by racial discrimination.  That means carefully preserving the memory of historical wrongs so we may use our knowledge to eradicate prejudice and teach tolerance, non-discrimination and respect for diversity everywhere and for all.”

The UN chief noted the year marks the 50th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the launch of the International Decade for People of African Descent.  “In the past fifty years,” he said, “there has been progress in the fight against racism and racial discrimination.  We have seen the end of colonialism, the dismantling of apartheid and the rise of a global movement for equality.  Yet, as history and current events attest, racial discrimination still presents a clear danger to people and communities in all regions.” 

Saying that “lasting peace can only be built on the premise that all people have equal rights and dignity – regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, social or other status,” Ban urged nations to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, to promote historical accuracy and put in place robust policies and laws that will end all forms of discrimination as enshrined in the Convention.”   (Source: UN)