Every year, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed every March 21. The day aims to pay tribute to 69 peaceful protesters in Sharpeville, South Africa shot by police authorities in 1960. They were protesting against apartheid pass laws. In 1966, the United Nations General Assembly announced to declare March 21 as International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
History
In 1960, protesters were protesting against apartheid pass laws. On March 21, 69 peaceful protesters in Sharpeville, South Africa died while protesting.
READ | Memory Day 2024: Date, History, Significance
Theme
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2021’s theme — “Youth standing up against racism” accompanied by the hashtag #FightRacism. The day aims to stand up against racial prejudice, discrimination, and intolerance and embrace equality.
Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | March 21 | Thursday |
| 2025 | March 21 | Friday |
| 2026 | March 21 | Saturday |
| 2027 | March 21 | Sunday |
| 2028 | March 21 | Tuesday |
READ | Namibia Independence Day 2024: Date, History, Significance
FAQs
In 1989, the Government of British Columbia first declared the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
The United Nations proclaimed to celebrate March 21 every year as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in 1966 to pay tribute to 69 peaceful protesters in Sharpeville, South Africa.
The day falls every year on March 21 to commemorate the day in 1960 when police shot and killed 69 peaceful protesters in Sharpeville, South Africa, who stood against the apartheid pass laws.