 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
March 21 is designated by the United Nations (UN) as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It’s a day observed all around the world to focus attention on the problems of racism and the need to promote social and economic justice.
The UN made this designation in 1966 to mark a tragic event that took place on March 21, 1960, in Sharpeville, South Africa, when 69 peaceful demonstrators were killed by police during a protest against apartheid. More than 80 per cent of those killed had been shot in the back.
March 21 has since then served not only to remind the international community of the dire consequences of racism, but also to recall our obligation and determination to combat racial discrimination.
The City of Vancouver will commemorate International day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination with Deputy Mayor Andrea Reimer reading a proclamation, followed by a reception on:
Friday, March 9, 2011, at 2 pm
(Ceremony: 2-3 pm; Reception: 3 pm)
Vancouver City Hall, 453 West 12th Avenue
Council Chamber, Third Floor
History |Canada's Response |What is racism? | More Information |Contact
History
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was first established in 1966 following the tragic event that shocks the conscience: the massacre of young students peacefully protesting against apartheid laws adopted by the South African government; a brutal, racist regime that used the ideology of white supremacy, regardless of humanity’s moral and ethical advances.
7,000 individuals had gathered to rally against apartheid and its "pass laws," which required all Africans to carry a passbook, enabling the South African government to restrict and monitor their whereabouts. Anyone found without a passbook could be arrested and detained for up to thirty days.
In 1983, the General Assembly of the United Nations called on all world states and organizations to participate in a program of action to combat racism and racial discrimination.
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Canada's Response
Canada was one of the first countries in the world to support the UN declaration, thereby making a commitment to develop and promote universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all through the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
In 1986, the Prime Minister of Canada asked Canadians to extend their efforts to "ensure the rapid eradication of racism and racial discrimination and the realization of mutual understanding, respect, equality and justice for all Canadians".
In 1988, Ministers who were in attendance at a human rights conference agreed to formally commemorate March 21, making Canada the first country in the world to hold a national March 21 campaign in 1989 in all Canadian jurisdictions. Youth participated right across the country in a "Together we're Better" theme.
Today, Canada is a rich mosaic of people from all over the globe choosing to make this great country their home. Canadians are aware that racism is a significant obstacle to friendly, peaceful relations and that racism can disrupt peace and security.
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What is racism?
According to the United Nations Association in Canada, racism refers to a set of beliefs that asserts the superiority of one racial group over another (at the individual as well as the institutional level), as well as individuals or groups of people exercise power that abuses or disadvantages others on the basis of skin colour or racial or ethnic heritage. This can be both subtle and obvious, by doing things like unfair reporting in the media, jokes, name-calling, discrimination at work and even hate crimes.
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More Information
Visit the sites below for more information on the elimination of racial discrimination. ( indicates external website )
British Columbia Sites
BC Hate Crime (PDF) background booklet offering definitions, remedies and resources for acts of hate committed against individuals or groups because of intolerance towards personal characteristics such as race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability.
BC Welcoming and Inclusive Communities
First Nations Education Steering Committee works in partnership with the BC Aboriginal Education Partners Group to address the racism experienced by Aboriginal people in the education system.
Human Rights program:Part IV – Prohibition against the Promotion of Racism, Measures Adopted by the Governments of the Provinces, British Columbia
Make a Case Against Racism
Safe Harbours: municipalities to work collaboratively to build safe and inclusive communities that celebrate diversity
National sites
United Nations Sites
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Contact
For more information about International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, please contact:
Parker Johnson, Equal Employment Opportunity Advisor
parker.johnson@vancouver.ca
604.871.6716
Baldwin Wong, Multicultural Social Planner
baldwin.wong@vancouver.ca
Phone: 604.871.6637
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