International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2024

‘International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination’ is celebrated every year on 21 March. On the occasion of this day, unity is called for against casteism and racial discrimination.

• The legacies of racial discrimination, slavery and colonialism destroy lives. This reduces the various opportunities that come in life. Billions of people are deprived of their full human rights and freedoms due to racial discrimination.

Theme of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Day 2024:

• The theme of this year 2024 is ‘A Decade of Recognition, Justice, and Development: Implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent’.
• This year's theme is associated with the International Decade for People of African Descent. It spans the time frame from 2015 to 2024. In declaring this decade, the international community acknowledges that people of African descent form a unique group whose human rights must be promoted and safeguarded.
• There are approximately 200 million people living in America who describe themselves as being of African descent. Many millions of people live outside the African continent, in other parts of the world. All of them have been victims of racial discrimination in some way or the other.

History of Elimination of Racial Discrimination Day:

• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) designated March 21st as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in October 1966.
• On March 21, 1960, people organized a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid law in Sharpeville, South Africa. Meanwhile, the police opened fire on a peaceful demonstration in which 69 people died.
• In 1979, the UNGA adopted a program of activities calling for action to combat racism and racial discrimination.
• During this, UNGA decided that from 21-27 March it will organize a 'Week of Solidarity with People Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination'. It is a symbol of solidarity with the people fighting against racism and racial discrimination. Since then it is held every year for a week in all countries.
• Following that, the apartheid system in South Africa was dismantled, and racist laws and practices were abolished in numerous countries. The UNGA has created an international framework to fight racism. It is guided by the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Importance of Elimination of Racial Discrimination Day:

• In addition to violating human rights, this racial discrimination has negative impacts on human health and well-being. It hinders social harmony. Which ultimately acts as a hindrance in the all-round development of human life.