21 March: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21 is celebrated as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The holiday was established in 1979 by the UN General Assembly. It is observed annually on the day when the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, killed 69 people during a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws" in 1960.

Even though the international framework for fighting racism is developing, guided by the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (now almost universally ratified), in all regions of the world many individuals and communities still suffer from racial injustice. The theme of the 2022 edition of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is ‘VOICES FOR ACTION AGAINST RACISM’. It aims at highlighting the importance of strengthening meaningful and safe public participation and representation in all areas of decision-making to prevent and combat racial discrimination, as well as at reaffirming the importance of full respect for the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The theme is inspired by the High Commissioner’s report on racial justice and the Agenda Towards Transformative Change for Racial Justice and Equality: “LISTEN UP: People of African descent must be heard. Ensure that people of African descent and those who stand up against racism are protected and heard, and their concerns are acted on”.

In relation to the event, the UN organizes a debate in commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The panel discussion will take place on Monday, 28 March 2022 at 10 a.m. in Geneva, with a live stream available on UN WebTV. The speakers are people from diverse backgrounds, known for their active role in the fight against racism, xenophobia and related intolerance (i.a. Manjusha P. Kulkarni, Joshua Castellino).