Alberta Human Rights Information Service March 17, 2006

Take action!
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. 

Take action against discrimination

The Alberta government released an information bulletin today, encouraging Albertans to support positive actions to build stronger, better relationships between people of all backgrounds.

This commemorative day is a time to reflect on our personal commitments to eliminating racism in our province and country. Plan to attend an event related to March 21st. See the calendar of provincial events (29 pages). Consider taking personal action to eliminate racism. Visit the Help Make a Difference website to find out how you can make a difference in your community.

Did you know?
  1. 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, Canadian Heritage launched its annual March 21 Campaign.

  2. 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.

  3. The Commission is a member of a Canadian Commission for UNESCO Pan-Canadian Working Group of government and non-governmental organizations that has prepared a Preliminary Proposal Calling for a Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism. This work in Canada is part of an International Coalition of Cities Against Racism, an initiative launched by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) to establish a network of cities around the world interested in sharing experiences in order to improve their policies to fight racism, discrimination, exclusion and intolerance.

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.

 

Due to confidentiality concerns, the Commission cannot reply
to complaints of discrimination using the Internet.

Please contact the Commission by telephone or regular mail
if you have a specific complaint.

The Commission will make publications available in accessible multiple formats upon request. Multiple formats provide access for people with disabilities who do not read conventional print.