International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
March 21 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, commemorating the tragic event in 1960 when police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire on a peaceful demonstration against apartheid’s “pass laws,” killing 69 people.
This year’s theme recognizes the “60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD)”. Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 21, 1965, ICERD was a groundbreaking step in the fight against racial discrimination, setting the stage for future human rights advancements, and fostering a global commitment to creating a world free from racial segregation and inequality.
The 60th anniversary of ICERD offers us an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made in combating racial discrimination, segregation, and inequality. While we celebrate these achievements, it also serves as a reminder that much work remains. Racial discrimination continues to persist in many parts of the world, underscoring the ongoing challenges we must address. This day reaffirms our collective commitment to equality and human rights.
On this day, we encourage the College community to take action against racism in all its forms. Here are some ways you can contribute:
- Explore resources from the United Nations:
- Educate yourself and others on the history of racial discrimination and how you can fight racism, discrimination, and xenophobia in Canada.
- Learn about racism and how to build anti-racist workplaces and communities. The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) offers a comprehensive Educational Guide: Racism and anti-Black racism (PDF).
- Explore RRC Polytech’s Anti-Racism Initiatives:
Let’s unite in our commitment to building a world free of racial discrimination.