International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Question: When is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination observed?
(a) 20 March
(b) 15 March
(c) 10 March
(d) 21 March
Answer: (d)
Related facts:

  • International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed every year on March 21.
  • The day aims to foster a global culture of tolerance, equality and anti-discrimination.
  • 2021 theme of the day is “Youth standing up against racism”.

History:

  • The day traces back to the date when police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960.
  • In 1979, the General Assembly adopted a programme of activities to be undertaken during the second half of the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination.
  • On that occasion, the General Assembly decided that a week of solidarity with the peoples struggling against racism and racial discrimination, beginning on 21 March, would be organized annually in all States.

By-Amar Mani Upadhyay

Links:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-racism-day