2023 Theme: 75th anniversary of the UDHR – an impetus to combat racism
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) marks the beginning of a week-long show of solidarity with peoples who continue to struggle against the injustice, impact and stigma of racism and racial discrimination around the world, despite racist laws and practices having been abolished in many countries.
This year’s theme is a reminder to each of us of the urgent need to come together to speak up against racism, mobilise against all manifestations of racial discrimination and injustice, and work towards a more just and equitable world.
The IDERD is observed annually on the day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 black South Africans in Sharpeville, South Africa at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid-era “pass laws”.
Suggestions for meaningful anti-racism action during IDERD
Racism. It Stops With Me website has infromation about racism and how to take action to create change.
The Sharpeville Massacre – standing up against racism provides the historical background of IDERD. (Warning: this video contains images that may be distressing)
Join the UNHR Office of the High Commissioner’s #Fight Racism campaign
The United Nations Observance page has more information and related resources.
