International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2026

Every year, 21 March marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The day was established by the United Nations to recognise and combat racism and discrimination worldwide. The date marks the anniversary of the 1960 Sharpeville incident in South Africa, when police shot dead 69 people during a peaceful demonstration against the discriminatory laws of the apartheid regime. The event symbolised the fight against racism and contributed to a growing international commitment against discrimination.

Despite progress, racism remains a widespread problem that hinders people's right to participate in society on equal terms. This has consequences both at the individual and societal level.