The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was established in 1966, six years after an event, known as the Sharpeville massacre, which captured worldwide attention. This event involved police opening fire and killing 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid “pass laws” in Sharpeville, South Africa, on March 21, 1960.
The United Nations’ (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed with a series of events and activities worldwide on March 21 each year. The day aims to remind people of racial discrimination’s negative consequences. It also encourages people to remember their obligation and determination to combat racial discrimination.
COVID-19 has heavily impacted young people, including those from minority backgrounds. Many are now grappling with an increase in racial discrimination, in addition to severe disruptions to their education; diminished employment prospects; and limited ability to participate in public life, which stymies their individual and social empowerment.
On 21 March 2022, UNESCO will host a special global edition of its Master Class Series against Racism and Discriminations at its Headquarters in Paris and online, from 9:30 to 17:00 (GMT +1). This special edition of the Master Class will address topics surrounding intercultural dialogue, artificial intelligence, gender-based discrimination, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental racism, human mobility, disability inclusion, rights of Indigenous peoples and Futures Literacy, among others. Each of these themes is uniquely intertwined with the fight against racism and discrimination.
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