International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March to remind people about the negative consequences of racial discrimination.
Context
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March to remind people about the negative consequences of racial discrimination.
What is Racial Discrimination?
- International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination defines racial discrimination as “any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.”
History
- The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960.
- In 1979, the General Assembly adopted a programme of activities to be undertaken during the second half of the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination.
- On that occasion, the General Assembly decided that a week of solidarity with the peoples struggling against racism and racial discrimination, beginning on 21 March, would be organized annually in all States.
Theme
- The 2022 edition of the International Day focuses on the theme “VOICES FOR ACTION AGAINST RACISM”.
- The theme for 2021 was "Youth standing up against racism".
Laws for racial discrimination in India
- Article 14: No person should be deprived of equality within the territory of India.
- Article 15(1): There should be no discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth
- Article 15(3) guarantees to make special provisions for children and women.
- Article 16 ensures the citizens equal opportunities of employment to both the men and women.
- Article 17 abolishes the practice of “untouchability” and any person who practices untouchability shall be punishable under the law.
- Article 21 protects the citizens from deprivation of life and personal liberty.
- Article 46 ensures the protection of the weaker sections of the people the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes and promotes provisions with special care to meet their economic and educational interests.
- Article 51(A)(e) signifies the duty of every citizen to the feeling of harmony and brotherhood among all the citizens of India and abandon the practices which are derogatory to the dignity of women.
|
