This day has been observed annually since the Sharpsville Massacre on 21 March 1960. The Massacre occurred when approximately 20,000 demonstrators, who were protesting for the abolition of South Africa’s Pass Laws during the country’s Apartheid, were shot at by police, killing 69 Black people and wounding 180.
Since then, the United Nations International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has committed to eliminate all racial discrimination and promote understanding amongst all races. They built an international framework for fighting racism which saw the abolition of racist laws and practices in many countries. However, it is recognised that across the world ‘too many individuals, communities and societies still suffer from the injustice and stigma that racism brings’ (un.org).
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination provides an opportunity to educate ourselves, to advocate for those around us and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity.
The United Nations have identified several related observances, which include:
For more information on Race Equality work at the University of Sussex, you can access our Race Equality Application and Action plan.
You can also read our Anti-Racist Pledge.