Alberta Human Rights Information Service March 20, 2009

March 21 is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21 is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, a day recognized world-wide for its commitment to building race relations. The United Nations designated this day in memory of anti-apartheid demonstrators killed in Sharpeville, South Africa in 1960. In proclaiming the day in 1966, the United Nations called on the international community to increase its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.

Canada was one of the first countries to support the UN initiative, and launched its first annual campaign against racial discrimination in 1989. In 1996, the Racism. Stop It! National Video Competition became a key event in that campaign.

Read the Government of Alberta information bulletin for further information about the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Community events

Albertans are invited to participate in the many events organized across the province to mark this significant day. Workshops, presentations, competitions and other activities will help Albertans recognize the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and identify the role they can play in tackling racism in their communities. See the calendar of provincial events.

Visit the Help Make a Difference website to find out how you can make a difference in your community. Read more.

Recent Commission activities and programs to prevent racism

  • In November 2008, the Commission developed an information sheet called Racial profiling to help Albertans understand how human rights law protects them from racial profiling that leads to discrimination. The information sheet includes a definition of racial profiling, examples and consequences of racial profiling, and suggestions on how to handle discrimination as a result of racial profiling.

  • The Commission continues to work hard at promoting and supporting the Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination (CMARD) in Alberta and nationally. Eight municipalities have joined the Alberta network of CMARD, including: Edmonton, Drayton Valley, Calgary, Lethbridge, Brooks, Grande Prairie, St. Albert, and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Ontario and Alberta both have eight municipalities that are members of CMARD, the most members of any jurisdictions in Canada. Read the List of Signatory Municipalities who have joined the Coalition.

  • On March 18, 2009, the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission (AHRCC) and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO hosted a reception to welcome representatives of CMARD member municipalities from across Canada as they gathered in Calgary for the second Pan-Canadian CMARD meeting. AHRCC was also a partner in organizing the full-day working meeting on March 19, 2009. The first Pan-Canadian meeting was also held in Calgary in June 2007.

    Following the Pan-Canadian meeting, the AHRCC joined with the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association and the Human Rights and Citizenship Branch of Alberta Culture and Community Spirit to convene a meeting of Alberta members of CMARD and other municipalities involved in building welcoming and inclusive communities.

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