International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is an international observance aimed at eliminating discrimination based on race, color, descent, or national or ethnic origin and ensuring equality among all individuals. Declared by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, this day encourages states, institutions, and societies to develop a unified stance against racism.

History

The origin of the day stems from events that took place on 21 March 1960 in Sharpeville, Republic of South Africa. During a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid regime’s “Pass Laws,” police opened fire on protesters, resulting in the deaths of 69 people. This incident generated widespread international反响 and raised global awareness against racial discrimination.

On 26 October 1966, the UN General Assembly, through Resolution 2142 (XXI), proclaimed 21 March as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This resolution called upon member states to intensify their efforts toward the elimination of racial discrimination.^【1】

United Nations Conventions and Legal Framework

Adopted by the UN General Assembly on 21 December 1965, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) is one of the foundational instruments of international human rights law. The Convention defines racial discrimination as “any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, color, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.”

Türkiye signed the Convention on 13 October 1972. The Convention prohibits not only direct racial discrimination but also all forms of discrimination based on color, descent, national or ethnic origin.

Principle of Equality

The UN General Assembly emphasizes that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. It has affirmed that the doctrine of racial superiority is scientifically false, morally condemnable, and socially unjust, and has called for the rejection of such teachings. The principle of equality obliges states to adopt preventive measures against discrimination in both public and private spheres.

International Developments

In 1979, the UN adopted an action program under the banner of the International Decade for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and decided that each year a Week Against Racism would begin on 21 March.

The World Conference Against Racism held in 2001 adopted the comprehensive Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), aimed at combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. The Durban Review Conference in 2009 assessed global progress and reaffirmed international commitment to the fight against racism.

In 2011, the UN General Assembly convened a high-level meeting to mark the 10th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and emphasized the need for states to prioritize the fight against racism as a key policy area. On 23 December 2013, the UN proclaimed the International Decade for People of African Descent, which ran from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2024 under the theme “Recognition, Justice and Development.”

UNESCO’s Contributions

UNESCO conducts activities to raise awareness against racial discrimination and organizes various events each year on 21 March at its headquarters and field offices. The organization also collaborates with member cities through the International Coalition for Inclusive and Sustainable Cities (ICCAR) to promote the principles of cultural diversity, inclusion, and equality.

Legal Framework in Türkiye

The primary legal framework for preventing racial discrimination in Türkiye is established by the Law No. 6701 on the Türkiye Human Rights and Equality Institution (TİHEK). Article 3 of this law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, language, religion, belief, sect, ethnic origin, health status, disability, age, and similar grounds.

TİHEK operates to uphold the principle of equal treatment based on human dignity and to ensure that individuals enjoy their rights and freedoms equally. The institution opposes all forms of racism and undertakes activities to prevent discrimination.