Eliminating racial Discrimination
By Dr Arvind Kumar
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March every year. On that day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid “pass laws”. Proclaiming the Day in 1966, the General Assembly, vide its Resolution 2142 (XXI) called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. With the dismantling of the apartheid system in South Africa in 1989, racist laws and practices have been abolished in many countries, and we there exists an international framework for fighting racism, guided by the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
The first article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”. The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination reminds us of our collective responsibility for promoting and protecting this ideal. However, the imperative to fight discrimination remains as strong as ever. Societies are becoming more complex where diversity is not a choice but a reality. Increasing proximity has not translated into greater understanding. In many countries, individuals and communities suffer still the injustice of racism. The 2011 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is an opportunity to renew our pledge to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
