International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2016 observed

21 March: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2016 was observed on 21 March 2016 with the theme Challenges and Achievements of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

In 2016, the day is marked by the fifteenth anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action at the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance in 2001.

How the day was proclaimed?

• On 21 March 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid pass laws.

• The United Nations General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination and proclaimed the day in 1966.

About Durban Declaration and Programme of Action

• The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action was adopted at the 2001 World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance in South Africa.

• It is the most comprehensive framework for fighting racism and related forms of intolerance and discrimination.

• It represents the firm commitment of the international community to tackle the issues related to intolerance and discrimination, and serves as a basis for advocacy efforts worldwide.

• It contains a broad range of measures aimed at combating racism in all of its manifestations, and underscores the human rights of all groups suffering from racial discrimination. The document emphasizes their right to participate freely and equally in political, social, economic and cultural life.

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