International Race Relations Day 2023: On March 21, we observe International Race Relations Day. This date was chosen to commemorate the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960. At least 69 black South Africans, including 10 children, were killed during this peaceful protest against the Apartheid Permit Laws. Immediately after the massacre, Time magazine described the Pass Laws as “almost a corporeal shackle” in one of its issues. In the wake of the tragedy, the U.N. General Assembly urged the international community to unite in order to end such calamities.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL RACE RELATIONS DAY
International Race Relations Day commemorates the deaths that occurred in Sharpeville in 1960. In 1979, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed a week of solidarity for the victims of this ethnic intolerance. Since then, this week has been observed to encourage various communities and nations to intensify their efforts to prevent racial and ethnic conflicts.
1998 saw an official evaluation of the massacre’s specifics based on the findings of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission. According to the commission’s report, police opened fire on an unarmed group of protesters against the Apartheid laws. In addition to the fatalities, more than 300 people were injured during the assault. After approximately 34 years, the apartheid system in South Africa was officially abolished. At the same time, discriminatory practises and laws have been abolished in a number of nations across the globe. In 2001, in Durban, South Africa, the World Conference against Racism was convened. Here, world leaders adopted an action-oriented document addressing issues such as xenophobia and recommending concrete measures to combat racism.
However, there are a great number of other regions and communities where certain ethnic groups face injustice. This holiday highlights the significance of recognising cultural diversity. Today, educational institutions throughout the United States use diversity as one of their primary selection criteria.
Since the World Conference against Racism in Durban in 2001, governments and organisations from around the globe gathered in 2021 to assess the progress made by various nations towards the eradication of racism. Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasised the need for nations to continue fighting racial intolerance as a united front.
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WAYS TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL RACE RELATIONS
Be vigilant for racist remarks
On occasion, we may have made remarks about a person’s race or nationality based on their appearance. From now on, let’s be mindful of our words and our treatment of others.
Explore the history of bigotry.
This occasion may be ideal for learning about the history of prejudice. Before responding to the issue, it would be prudent to understand the whys, hows, whats, and whens.
Educate others
If you know someone who does not understand the significance of this day, you should educate them. This could be the initial step towards bettering the planet.
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FIVE IMPORTANT FACTS REGARDING RACE RELATIONS
Widespread occurrence in New Zealand
In 2003, New Zealand first observed International Race Relations Day with the theme “Hands Up for Kiwis of Every Race and Place.”
Racial prejudice is still prevalent
88% of police stops in New York City in 2018 involved black and Latino individuals, and nearly 70% of them were entirely innocent, according to a 2018 survey.
Significant social advancements are occurring.
In the early 1980s, only 43% of Americans supported interracial marriages, but by 2021, this percentage had risen to 79%.
Popular culture adapts to prevent racial controversy
A line from one of the tracks in Disney’s “Aladdin” was changed so as not to offend Arabs.
Racism is not committed exclusively by white individuals.
It is believed that the racist slur “honkies” originated in Chicago’s meatpacking facilities.
WHY NATIONAL DAY ON RACE RELATIONS IS IMPORTANT
It’s an occasion to reflect.
This day enables us to reflect on our efforts to create a racially diverse and inclusive global community. It is an opportunity to reflect on past injustices and how to prevent them from occurring again.
It is an opportunity to exchange experiences
International Day on Race Relations is a reminder to commemorate and value the diversity of cultural experiences. It is the ideal chance to meet someone from a distinct cultural background.
This is an opportunity to move towards acceptance.
International Race Relations Day promotes the concept of cultural diversity acceptance. It enables individuals to feel a sense of belonging and be at ease with who they are.
INTERNATIONAL RACE RELATIONS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 21 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | March 21 | Thursday |
| 2025 | March 21 | Friday |
| 2026 | March 21 | Saturday |
| 2027 | March 21 | Sunday |
