Press Release

A humane and just world necessitates fair treatment of all living beings. Communities thrive when there is a sense of safety, belonging, compassion, and mutual respect for basic human rights and religious freedoms. People should be able to contribute meaningfully to their families social, economic, physical, mental, and spiritual welfare and to their communities to the best of their ability level. However, being routinely subjected to racial discrimination can make accomplishing these tasks that many take for granted, rather difficult. Racism, in all forms, correlates with adverse health, mental health, and economic outcomes. For these reasons, ICHRRF embraces and endorses the urgent call to end racial discrimination.

March 21, 2022 is recognized officially by the United Nations as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination which falls on the anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre where tragically, 69 unarmed Black South African demonstrators (including children) calling to end institutional discrimination were killed by the apartheid regime in 1960 and many more were injured by police who opened fire.

The United Nations 2022 edition of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination theme is “Voices for Action Against Racism”. This year’s theme promotes inclusive and diverse representation in all areas of decision-making to prevent and end racial discrimination, ensuring the right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and protecting of civil space, and recognizing the contributions made by those who work to build safe, diverse and inclusive spaces for all by confronting all forms of racial discrimination. Kindly join ICHRRF in solidarity for ending racial discrimination and honoring unity of the humanity at large.