International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination – 21 March

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid 'pass laws' in 1960. The focus of this year is the urgency of combatting racism and racial discrimination, 75 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

Racism and racial discrimination take many forms and impact all aspects of life. Impacts could include the ability to find a job, get an education, have equal access to healthcare, housing, food, water or get fair treatment in a court of law.

Racism, xenophobia and related discrimination and intolerance exist in all societies, everywhere.

Racism harms not just the lives of those who endure it but also society as a whole. It deepens mistrust, casting suspicion on all sides and tearing apart the social fabric. We all lose in a society characterised by discrimination, division, distrust, intolerance, and hate.

Learn more about the day including associated events and presentations, as well as ways we can all stand up and fight racism, here

Megan Bowie and Sandra Richardson were the randomly selected winners of double passes to attend the Kate Sheppard theatre event, That Bloody Woman.

Thanks so much to all who submitted entries.