Observed annually on March 21st, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination commemorates the day police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid “pass laws” in 1960. Based on the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, it is an occasion to underline our commitment to fighting racial prejudice and xenofobia.
This date is an opportunity to reflect upon the fact that while progress has been made, injustice and intolerance fueled by racial discrimination occur on a daily basis. In response to this phenomenon, we join forces to raise awareness of the importance of combating all forms of discrimination, injustice, and systemic racism in an effort to build a supportive, tolerant and integrated community. The struggle against hate crimes and racial injustice is a matter of priority for our community and is at the core of our belief.
