International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, March 21, 2025: the 60th anniversary of ICERD offers an opportunity to reflect on achievements and unresolved issues
March 21 marks the annual International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966 in memory of the killing of 69 peaceful demonstrators by police forces during a protest against apartheid laws in Sharpeville, South Africa, in 1960. This year, the Day is dedicated to the "60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD)", adopted by the UN General Assembly with Resolution 2106 (XX) on December 21, 1965.
ICERD, close to universal ratification, represents a milestone in the history of the United Nations, being the first of the major human rights treaties to be concluded, as well as in the fight against racism and racial discrimination, aimed today at promoting global understanding and a cohesive society free from racial segregation. Its 60th anniversary provides a significant opportunity for a critical assessment of the results achieved, as well as for a careful examination of areas requiring further intervention for the full realization of the objectives set by the Convention.
In view of this anniversary, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has launched the "Learn, Speak up, Act!" campaign to educate people about the main frameworks and key tools, including ICERD, the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), and the International Decade for People of African Descent 2015-2024, the bodies engaged in combating racism and its own contribution in this area, and to ensure that everyone can take a stand and take action in this regard.
In line with the indications of the UN General Assembly, which in 1979 invited all States to organize a week in support of peoples fighting against racist prejudice, injustice, and violence, the National Anti-Racial Discrimination Office of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (UNAR) promotes the 21st edition of the Week of Action Against Racism, which will conclude on March 23, 2025. The events included in this edition are part of 37 projects promoted by associations and entities operating in these activities and initiatives organized by the 12 Metropolitan Cities participating in the Week, for which the program is made available. The Week aims to encourage the exchange of ideas, facilitate the establishment of integration and inclusion pathways, and promote concrete involvement in one's communities, through recognition of the fundamental contribution of associations engaged at the local level in preventing and combating racial discrimination.