Voices for Action against Racism

Each year, the world commemorates the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March, 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 theme for this year’s commemoration is “Voices for Action against Racism”.

Despite progress, racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, still permeate societies around the world and deeply affect the lives and human rights of millions of people, including Africans and people of African descent, Asians and people of Asian descent, indigenous peoples, migrants, national, ethnic and linguistic minorities, and religious communities. We need everyone’s voice to stand in solidarity with the victims of racism and join their fight for racial justice and equality.

Silence is indifference. It contributes to perpetuating racial discrimination and oppression. It muffles the voices of those who have the courage to stand up against racism.

Only by raising our voices together can we break this silence.
Let’s stand with to those who face racism and listen to their experiences and concerns. Let’s combat fake and harmful discriminatory narratives and ensure that everyone’s voice is taken into account. Our diversity is a source of strength, never a threat.

Join us and add your voice to demand action against racism and racial discrimination.

Find out more about this year's #FightRacism campaign under the theme "Voices for action against racism."