The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) is observed on 21 March. On this day in 1960, police in Sharpeville, South Africa, shot and killed 69 people who were peacefully protesting against the laws that restricted the movement of black South Africans.

 The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) was adopted in December 1965 following the Sharpeville massacre, growing calls to end apartheid and the passing of the Civil Rights Act in America in 1964. Australia signed the convention in 1966, ratified it in 1975 and passed the Racial Discrimination Act to fulfill its obligations under ICERD.

Despite international and national efforts, racism remains an ongoing barrier to equitable access and participation in our society and education systems. Global instability has fanned the prevalence of racism, undermining human rights. Collective commitment and responsible leadership are needed if we are to successfully eliminate racism in all its forms and advance equity for all.

This is an important opportunity to think about what we can do to recognise racism and its impacts, how to prevent it and how to respond effectively if it does occur.

Visit our International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination page to access additional information and links to relevant anti-racism education lessons.

Please visit the United Nations observances page for more information.