Basic Information
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed on March 21 every year to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.
Observed on: March 21
Organized by: UN
Introduced in: 1966 (UN Proclamation)
Observed: Worldwide
About International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Every year March 21 is observed as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The date is chosen to remember in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid pass laws.
United Nations General Assembly in 1966 proclaimed to observe this day to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.
Activities and Programs on Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Fight against racism is not for this day, it must be on every day, everywhere.
The activities and programs are done everywhere emphasizing their right to participate freely and equally in political, social, economic and cultural life. The day encourages people to remember their obligation and determination to combat racial discrimination.
The programs and activities includes getting opinions for ways to fight racism, and promote tolerance in their communities and in their lives. Various other activities like essays, photo projects, published articles etc. that promote the fight against racial discrimination.
Every year the observation is done focusing on a theme for the day.
Theme for International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2021 Theme is “Youth standing up against racism” #FightRacism
No Discrimination Day 2020 Theme was “People of African descent: recognition, justice and development“
No Discrimination Day 2019 Theme was “Mitigating and countering rising nationalist populism and extreme supremacist ideologies“
2018 Theme: Promoting tolerance, inclusion, unity and respect for diversity in the context of combating racial discrimination
2017 Theme: Racial profiling and incitement to hatred, including in the context of migration
2016 Theme: Challenges and Achievements of the Durban Declaration and Program of Action – 15 years after
2015 Theme: Learning from tragedies to combat racial discrimination today
2014 Theme: The Role of Leaders in Combating Racism and Racial Discrimination
2010 Theme: Disqualify Racism