International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
A UN-designated day commemorating the Sharpeville massacre in South Africa, reminding the world that fighting racism is an ongoing global responsibility.
Date21 March
TopicHuman Rights & Equality
Established1966
Ways to observe this day
- Learn about the history of apartheid and its lasting effects today
- Speak up against racist jokes or biases when you encounter them
- Share content that promotes diversity and solidarity across races
- Support an organization working to combat racism in your community
On March 21, 1960, police in South Africa opened fire on a crowd of peaceful demonstrators protesting racist "pass laws" in the town of Sharpeville, killing 69 people. Six years later, on October 26, 1966, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 2142, proclaiming March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in memory of the massacre and the suffering of apartheid's victims.
The day renews the global commitment to combating racism and discrimination based on color, race, or ethnic origin in all its forms, affirming that the issue remains a contemporary challenge manifested in institutional discrimination, hate speech, and unequal opportunity. The UN and human rights organizations worldwide mark the occasion with conferences and awareness campaigns, educational events in schools and universities examining the history of racism and ways to confront it, and initiatives promoting solidarity across races and cultures.
