International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

On a more serious note than yesterday's International Day of Happiness, today is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.  The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in 1966. On that day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid "pass laws".  Apartheid has, of course, been dismantled since that time.  But much more remains to be done to eliminate racism in all its forms.  In recognition of that ongoing need, this year's theme is “Learning from historical tragedies to combat racial discrimination today.” 

"The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is an opportunity to renew our commitment to building a world of justice and equality where xenophobia and bigotry do not exist. We must learn the lessons of history and acknowledge the profound damage caused by racial discrimination." ~ Secretary General Ban Ki Moon 

To read the Secretary General's full statement and for more information, visit the UN website.

(cgb)