of Racial Discrimination

Children don't know about racial discrimination.

1982, Cape Town, South Africa. UN Photo.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March. 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". Proclaiming the Day in 1966, the General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination (resolution 2142 (XXI)).

Since then, the apartheid system in South Africa has been dismantled. Racist laws and practices have been abolished in many countries, and we have built an international framework for fighting racism, guided by the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The Convention is now nearing universal ratification, yet still, in all regions, too many individuals, communities and societies suffer from the injustice and stigma that racism brings.

The first article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”. The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination reminds us of our collective responsibility for promoting and protecting this ideal.

For more information on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, visit the UN website here.

The United Nations' (UN) World Day of Social Justice is annually observed on February 20 to encourage people to look at how social justice affects poverty eradication. It also focuses on the goal of achieving full employment and support for social integration.

What are you doing to promote social justice?

UN Secretary-General's Message for 2011

Social justice is more than an ethical imperative, it is a foundation for national stability and global prosperity. Equal opportunity, solidarity and respect for human rights — these are essential to unlocking the full productive potential of nations and peoples.

The World Day of Social Justice is a call for all countries to take concrete actions that give meaning to the universal values of human dignity and opportunity for all. The focus of this year’s commemoration – achieving social protection for all – is critical to building fairer, more inclusive and equitable societies.

As we continue to confront the fallout of the global financial and economic crisis, meeting this challenge is more important than ever. For the tens of millions who have lost their jobs since the crisis began, the global recession is far from over. That is one reason why the UN system-wide response includes an initiative to establish a social protection floor. This effort is designed to help ensure access to basic social services, provide people with the tools to generate decent incomes, and strengthen safeguards for the poor, vulnerable and marginalized.

Eighty per cent of the world’s people lack access to adequate social protection. Women are especially vulnerable. The purpose of a social protection floor is clear: No one should live below a certain income level, and everyone should have access to essential public services such as water and sanitation, health and education.

Numerous studies have found that a basic social floor is globally affordable. The International Labour Organization and United Nations Development Programme are releasing a new report today that shares 18 innovative social protection floor policies that are making a real difference in the developing world. And, at the recent session of the Commission for Social Development, Member States also addressed social protection systems as a means to reduce inequality and social exclusion for achievement of the MDGs.

At the same time, we must remain steadfast against the forces of discrimination that deny people their dignity based on religion, ethnicity or economic status. We must also take swift action to create an enabling environment for social inclusion and decent work for all.

The pursuit of social justice is crucial to maximizing the potential for growth with equity and minimizing the risks of social unrest. Together let us rise to the challenge and ensure that our work for sustainable development delivers social justice for all.

Ban Ki-moon

• Secretary-General's Message from 2010
• Secretary-General's Message from 2009

For more information about World Day of Social Justice visit the UN website here.

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The Halton Multicultural Council is a community agency dedicated to enabling every individual, regardless of race or ethnic origin, to participate as full and active members of the community through fostering mutual respect and understanding of one another.

HMC provides a variety of services and education to the Halton community. For more information see the HMC website here!

The Halton Multicultural Council is a community agency dedicated to enabling every individual, regardless of race or ethnic origin, to participate as full and active members of the community through fostering mutual respect and understanding of one another.

HMC provides a variety of services and education to the Halton community. For more information see the HMC website here!

The Halton Multicultural Council is a community agency dedicated to enabling every individual, regardless of race or ethnic origin, to participate as full and active members of the community through fostering mutual respect and understanding of one another.

HMC provides a variety of services and education to the Halton community. For more information see the HMC website here!

j wallace is an educator, activist, and writer based in southern Ontario. His work focuses on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, transsexual, 2-spirited, intersexed, queer and questioning (LGBTT2IQQ) individuals, their communities and related issues – with a particular focus on youth. For more information about j, see his website here.

j wallace is an educator, activist, and writer based in southern Ontario. His work focuses on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, transsexual, 2-spirited, intersexed, queer and questioning (LGBTT2IQQ) individuals, their communities and related issues – with a particular focus on youth. For more information about j, see his website here.

j wallace is an educator, activist, and writer based in southern Ontario. His work focuses on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, transsexual, 2-spirited, intersexed, queer and questioning (LGBTT2IQQ) individuals, their communities and related issues – with a particular focus on youth. For more information about j, see his website here.

ACG's Mission is to provide exemplary service in the area of HIV/AIDS in Guelph and Wellington County through innovative health promotion strategies and community partnerships.

ACG Values Compassion: to exercise care and compassion to all; Accessibility: to be open and accessible using innovative and collaborative responses in all we do; Respect: to respect the uniqueness of each person and offer resources that foster empowerment and Accountability: to maintain professional integrity and accountability to ensure consistent quality service.