Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Today, people across the world are marking International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The day reminds us all of the need to nurture the principles of the dignity and equality inherent in all human beings.

Despite numerous efforts and commitments by governments and the international community, racism still exists in many parts of the globe.

The practice could cause severe problems for communities, thus the need to fight it collectively.

Racial discrimination is becoming common in sports, especially football, and some nations are well known for their practise of racism.

There is an absolute need to raise awareness on the issues related to racial discrimination, and to recall the plight of the victims who suffered or continue to suffer as a result of racism-related conflicts.

The first article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination reminds us of our collective responsibility for promoting and protecting this ideal.

Similarly, Article 3 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, for instance, states that state parties particularly condemn racial segregation and apartheid, and undertake to prevent, prohibit and eradicate all practices of this nature in territories under their jurisdiction.

Even though many countries have specific laws forbidding this practice, sadly some countries still possess a few laws addressing the issue, which continues to persist.

Treating someone based on his or her colour should be a thing of the past, and more stringent measures should be taken to end the practice.

“Racism is man’s gravest threat to man - the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason.”

Abraham J. Heschel