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International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Fostering equality, breaking down barriers, and embracing diversity create a harmonious and just society for everyone to thrive in together.

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Align your brand with social justice by launching diversity and inclusion initiatives, educational content, and community partnerships during this UN-recognized awareness month.

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Share your company's DEI commitments and employee resource group stories
Host educational webinars or panel discussions on workplace equity and belonging
Partner with community organizations to amplify anti-racism initiatives and donate to relevant causes
Feature employee testimonials celebrating diverse backgrounds and perspectives

History

For centuries the cultural and racial barriers between humans have been the cause of difficult relationships, negative treatment and even the outright abuse of people of different races and nationalities.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is here to raise awareness about and work to reduce the instances of racial inequality in locations around the world.

Several different events led up to the founding of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966.

The date of this annual event was set to remember and honor the shooting that occurred in Sharpville, South Africa on March 21, 1960, where 69 people were killed at a “peaceful” demonstration against apartheid.

Each year, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination brings with it a fresh theme that encourages people to think deeply and consider how to end racism. Recent themes for this day have included:

Though the system of apartheid in South Africa has been dismantled, the issue of racism still continues in many places throughout the world.

The hope for this anti-racism day is that efforts toward education and awareness will open minds and change behavior both now and with the coming generations. Get involved with this important day to make a difference in every small corner of the planet.

How to celebrate

Read the UN Statement about Race

One of the best ways to get involved and show support for this day is to learn more and get educated about some of the issues connected with racism. The United Nations adopted its Declaration on Race and Racial Prejudice, reaffirming that all humans are “born equal in dignity and rights and all form an integral part of humanity”. In honor of the day, look up this declaration, read it and share it with others.

Connect with Others Against Racism

An excellent way to celebrate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination might be to get connected with others in the community who are already doing this work. Those who are of majority backgrounds should be particularly sensitive to listening and learning from those who have been discriminated against. Tearing down walls through care, education and an attempt at understanding can be a great way to continue the fight against racism.

FAQ

What is considered racial discrimination under international human rights law?

International human rights law, particularly the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, defines racial discrimination as any distinction, exclusion, restriction, or preference based on race, color, descent, or national or ethnic origin that has the purpose or effect of impairing equal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms in political, economic, social, cultural, or public life. This covers both intentional acts and policies that result in unequal outcomes, even if they appear neutral on their face.

How is systemic or structural racial discrimination different from individual prejudice?

Individual prejudice refers to personal beliefs or attitudes, while systemic or structural racial discrimination arises from laws, policies, and institutional practices that, taken together, produce persistent disadvantages for certain racial or ethnic groups. The World Health Organization notes that structural racism is embedded in how institutions allocate power and resources, shaping access to housing, education, employment, and health care in ways that consistently disadvantage particular communities, regardless of any one person’s intentions.

Why do international bodies say race is a social construct rather than a biological fact?

Contemporary science shows there is more genetic variation within so‑called racial groups than between them, and no clear biological boundaries that match racial categories. Researchers describe race as a social construct that societies created and enforced through law, custom, and power, especially during colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade. International human rights standards therefore treat racism as discrimination based on socially constructed categories, not innate biological differences.

What are some proven ways to reduce racial discrimination in health care?

Peer‑reviewed research and professional medical bodies recommend several approaches, including ending the use of “race corrections” in clinical algorithms that lack scientific justification, strengthening data systems to monitor disparities, expanding access to coverage and services for marginalized communities, and increasing diversity in the health workforce. The World Health Organization and national medical associations also highlight culturally appropriate care, bias training linked to accountability, and policies that address housing, income, and other social determinants of health as key to reducing inequities.

How does racial discrimination affect health outcomes around the world?

Studies consistently find that racial and ethnic minorities experience higher rates of many illnesses, receive lower quality care, and have worse outcomes, including shorter life expectancy and higher maternal mortality in some regions. The World Health Organization and national health agencies report that discrimination, chronic stress from racism, unequal access to quality services, and residence in under‑resourced neighborhoods all contribute to these gaps, making racism a significant public health threat rather than only a social issue.

Why is collecting data by race or ethnicity important for tackling discrimination?

International and national agencies stress that without reliable data broken down by race or ethnicity, discrimination often remains invisible and cannot be effectively addressed. Disaggregated statistics help reveal patterns such as unequal access to education, employment, policing, or health services, guide where to target resources, and allow governments to measure whether anti‑discrimination policies are working over time. At the same time, human rights bodies emphasize that such data must be collected with safeguards for privacy, consent, and non‑stigmatization.

How do international mechanisms monitor governments’ efforts to eliminate racial discrimination?

States that have ratified the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination must regularly report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The Committee reviews laws, policies, and data, questions government representatives in public sessions, and issues recommendations on how to close gaps. It can also consider individual complaints from people who claim to be victims of racial discrimination, if the state has accepted that procedure, and can initiate early warning and urgent action measures in situations of serious concern.