International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, 21 March

March 21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.  The United Nations webpage for the day states that:

“The 2022 edition of the International Day focuses on the theme `VOICES FOR ACTION AGAINST RACISM’. This edition aims, in particular, at: highlighting 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 message can be a powerful vehicle to encourage people everywhere to strengthen and consolidate their voices against racism, to mobilise against all forms and manifestations of racial discrimination and injustice, and to ensure a safe environment for those who speak up. It lends itself towards telling personal interest stories and can feature people and populations from across the world.

This theme draws also inspiration on the High Commissioner’s report on racial justice and the Agenda Towards Transformative Change for Racial Justice and Equality: `LISTEN UP: Ensure that people of African descent and those who stand up against racism are protected and heard, and their concerns are acted on’.”

Monday, 28 March 2022, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. CET, Palais des Nations, Geneva

The panel discussion will gather speakers who are known for their active role in the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and who are from diverse backgrounds. They will share their experiences and will advocate in favour of listening to those who face racial discrimination.

Event concept note
Watch live on UN WebTV

Key documents

• International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD)
• Declaration on Race and Racial Prejudice
• Durban Declaration and Programme of Action
• Outcome Document of the Durban Review Conference
• Political Declaration adopted at the 10-year anniversary of the Durban Conference
• Resolution proclaiming 21 March as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (A/RES/2142 (XXI))
• Resolution proclaiming the Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination (A/RES/34/24)
• A global call for concrete action for the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (2021)

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

• Stand Up for Human Rights
• Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
• Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
• Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent
• Intergovernmental Working Group on the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action
• Database on practical means to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance

KJ