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.
• The theme of this year 2024 is ‘A Decade of Recognition, Justice, and Development: Implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent’.

History-

• 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.
• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) designated March 21st as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in October 1966.
• 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.