The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was established six years after an event, known as the Sharpeville tragedy or Sharpeville massacre, which captured worldwide attention.
This event involved police opening fire and taking the lives of 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid “pass laws” in Sharpeville, South Africa, March 21, 1960.
The UN General Assembly called on the international community to increase its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination when it proclaimed the day as a UN Day of observance in 1966.
Racist laws and practices have been abolished in many countries, and we have built an international framework for fighting racism, guided by the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Racism, xenophobia and intolerance are problems prevalent in all societies. But every day, each and every one of us can stand up against racial prejudice and intolerant attitudes.
Canada is a diverse country with a multicultural policy that celebrates diversity and sees this as one of it's strengths. We have goals of being inclusive and making sure that discrimination is not tolerated.
Be a human rights champion #fightracism #Standup4humanrights
Voices for action against racism
The 2022 edition of the International Day focuses on the theme
“VOICES FOR ACTION AGAINST RACISM”.
This edition aims and highlights the importance of strengthening meaningful and safe public participation and representation in all areas of decision-making to prevent and combat racial discrimination; reaffirming the importance of full respect for the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and of protecting civic space; and recognizing the contribution of individuals and organizations that stand up against racial discrimination and the challenges they face.
This simple yet powerful message can encourage people to strengthen and consolidate their voices against racism, to mobilize against all forms and manifestations of racial discrimination and injustice, and to ensure a safe environment for those who speak up. The focus on Voices for Action can lend itself to feature POC, shed light on their experiences, to speak of their personal stories and raise awareness.
Recommended reads to discuss the topic of racism
This Book Is Anti-racist
Where does racism come from and what can we do to disrupt it? Learn about social identities, the history of racism, and how readers can use their anti-racist lens and voice to move the world toward equity and liberation.
With this book, be empowered to actively defy racism and xenophobia to create a community (large and small) that truly honours everyone.
Racism - What's That Got To Do With Me?
Examines personal stories which highlight the issues and raises questions relating to racism.
What Do I Do When People I Know Are Racist
"In a time of increasing political and social tensions, students are sure to find themselves in complicated ethical situations. What happens if someone they know and love is racist? This book introduces readers to the concepts of prejudice and racism and gives them guidance on how to deal with these concepts in daily life. Readers will learn how to show their support for equality by celebrating diversity and standing up for what they believe in. This book tackles a complex subject in an accessible and sensitive way, so young
readers can discover new ways to approach
this tough topic"--Provided by publisher.
