20/03/2025 Equality and Non-Discrimination
Francesco Verducci (Italy, SOC), General Rapporteur on combating racism and intolerance made the following statement on the occasion of the International day for the elimination of racial discrimination (21 March):
On this International Day for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, we commemorate the tragic events of March 21, 1960, in Sharpeville, South Africa. On that day, 69 people lost their lives, and 180 were wounded when police opened fire on a crowd peacefully protesting against Apartheid laws. The horror of this massacre shook the international community and was a turning point in the global fight against racial discrimination. Recognising the urgent need for a legal and moral framework to combat racism, the United Nations took action to establish binding commitments for states to address racial discrimination in all its forms.
The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) was adopted in 1965. This year, in the 60th anniversary of this landmark treaty, we both commemorate the Sharpeville killings and the victims of racism everywhere and reaffirm our dedication to the principles enshrined in the Convention. The ICERD remains as relevant today as it was at the time of its adoption. It provides a broad definition of racial discrimination—encompassing race, colour, descent, and national or ethnic origin—and calls for strong measures to eliminate hate speech and prevent prejudice. It sets forth legal and policy obligations for states, including the duty to take proactive measures to combat racial discrimination and to promote equality in all aspects of public life.
From the darkness of the Sharpeville massacre emerged a beacon of hope: a legal instrument designed to guide efforts to prevent and counter racial discrimination worldwide. However, treaties and legal standards alone are not enough. Achieving the goal of eliminating all forms of discrimination requires the unwavering political will of those in power and the collective commitment of society as a whole. Racial discrimination remains a deeply entrenched and multifaceted challenge, one that demands action from governments, civil society, and individuals alike. Today I call on fellow legislators and policy makers to renew our commitment, to take concrete steps guided by this International Convention and to work with determination towards a world free from racial injustice.