International Day For The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Mar 08, 2022
International Day For The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on March 21.

Where is International Day For The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination observed?

International Day For The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination is observed globally.

Who is International Day For The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination observed by?

This day is observed throughout the world; this includes individuals, governing ****, and non-profit and non-governmental **** that promote human rights.

When did International Day For The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination first start?

This day was started on March 21, 1966.

Who started International Day For The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination?

The United Nations was responsible for starting this day.

History And Timeline

A rich history is related to the International Day For The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination. Let's read some of the related events to understand the significance of this day.

Apartheid System

This was an institutionalized racial discrimination system that was instated by White colonizers in South Africa; it existed for many years in several colonized parts of Africa.

1948

Sharpville Massacre

A total of 69 people were killed by the police in an open fire on this day, who were all gathered at a peaceful demonstration opposing the pass laws in Sharpville, South Africa.

March 21, 1960

Proclamation By The UN

An international effort to curb all forms of racial discrimination was adopted when the United Nations first proclaimed March 21 as the International Day For The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination.

1966

Program To Combat Racism

The conference to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination was held in Geneva. All states and organizations promised active efforts towards combating racism.

1983

Continued Efforts

The United Nations continued its work to eradicate racial segregation well into the 21st century and is actively working for this.

2000s

Traditions And Customs

Many events are **** on this day, where people voice their thoughts about the impact of racism on public life. UN leaders come forth to speak about the different social stigmas and devise ways to combat them.

Ways To Observe International Day For The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination

This day can be observed by putting in efforts to eliminate racism on any level you can. You can do this by educating people about the impact of the apartheid system on the global culture. Posting your opinion on UNICEF'S online platform called 'Voices of Youth' and rejecting articles that support racism are other ways of observing this day.

Facts And Stats

  • In 2021, the theme of International Day For The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination was 'Youth Standing Up Against Racism.'
  • This day gives you the opportunity to reflect on the fact that even though there are various **** that stand up against racism, certain countries still face racial discrimination on a significant scale.
  • This day spreads the message that education plays a key role in eradicating racism and helps in the establishment of social empowerment.

What are some important facts about International Day For The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination?

This day was started on March 21, shortly after the police opened fire in the year 1960, which resulted in mass killing in South Africa. On March 21, the entire world observes this day to help eradicate racial injustice.

What is the motto of International Day For The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination?

The main motto of this day is to educate people to not tolerate racial prejudice and to break the barriers between races so that everyone is treated with equality.

What are some events related to International Day For The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination?

The Civil Rights Movement, started in 1954 in the United States, tried to bring an end to racial prejudice. The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in the year 1965, which promotes well-being and understanding among all races in the world.

Who is the founder of this day?

The United Nations General Assembly started this day to educate people about racism so that all forms of racial discrimination are eradicated from the world, and everyone experiences equal human rights.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Friday, March 20, 2020
  • Saturday, March 20, 2021
  • Sunday, March 20, 2022
  • Monday, March 20, 2023
  • Wednesday, March 20, 2024

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Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

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