Alberta Human Rights Information Service March 9, 2005

Plan to get involved!
March 21st is the
 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21st is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This commemorative day, proclaimed by the United Nations in 1966, honours the lives of the young students who were massacred in a peaceful anti-apartheid protest in Sharpville, South Africa. Sixty-nine protesters died, and 180 were wounded. 

We can make a difference

This commemorative day calls us to action, reminding us to reflect on our personal commitments to eliminating racism in our province and country. Plan to attend a provincial event related to March 21st. Check out the calendar of provincial events. Consider taking personal action to eliminate racism. Visit the Help Make a Difference website for inspiration.

Did you know?

  1. Racism Free Alberta is a coalition of anti-racism organizations and individuals in Alberta. The Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission and the Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Education Fund are among the coalition members.

  2. Canada was one of the first countries to support the UN declaration of March 21st as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and in 1989, the Department of Canadian Heritage launched its annual March 21 Campaign.

  3. United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) launched the International Coalition of Cities against Racism in March 2004 to establish a network of cities interested in sharing experiences to improve their policies to fight racism, discrimination and xenophobia. The ultimate objective is to involve interested cities in a common struggle against racism through an international coalition. Regional coalitions are being created to take into account the specificities and priorities of each region of the world. The initiative was launched in Europe, and the Call for a European Coalition of Cities against Racism includes a proposed ten-point plan of action. UNESCO Canada conducted a recent roundtable in Ottawa to discuss this initiative. Partners in the Canadian initiative include the Metropolis Project, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, and the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission.

PLEASE NOTE: In this newsletter, we publish Commission news as well as news and information provided by other organizations. We also cite other websites related to human rights and diversity. The Commission is not responsible for the content provided by other organizations on their websites or by other means. Please direct comments or inquiries regarding these organizations or their websites to the organization in question.

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