21 March- International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Every year, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed on 21 March.

The date marks the anniversary of the killing of 69 young students during a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid “pass laws” in Sharpeville, South Africa, 1960. In 1969, the General Assembly of the United Nations officially proclaimed the day International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which calls on the international community to redouble their efforts in making the world a more racially tolerant place, and ending all forms of racial discrimination. 

For 2010, the theme that will mark the commemoration is “Disqualify Racism”. This theme was chosen in light of the upcoming Football World Cup which will be held in South Africa. Throughout the year, efforts will be made to prevent racist and xenophobic incidents and discrimination. 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the event in Sharpeville. Since then, the apartheid system that once existed in South Africa has been dismantled, and racist practices and laws have been abolished in many countries. An international framework for fighting racism has also been established, and human rights and dignities are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

Across Europe, an Action Week between 13-21 March will spread the idea “Enjoy Diversity”. 

However, there are many places in the world where individuals, communities and whole societies still suffer from the injustice, the stigma and the intolerance that racism brings. The very first article under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”. When we celebrate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, let us remember that diversity is something to be cherished and valued. More importantly, we need to remember that changes in attitudes start from the bottom up.

How are Girl Guides and Girl Scouts fighting racism and xenophobia?

Youth organizations like WAGGGS and many of our Member Organizations are working in two ways against racism and xenophobia.  Firstly, by reflecting on how we represent the diversity of the society in which we are based, and ensuring that we are representative and able to provide a space where young people from different backgrounds can work together, we can raise awareness and take measures to ensure that Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting is truly open to all. 

Girl Guide and Girl Scout Associations across Europe are reaching out to girls and young women from migrant and ethnic backgrounds to ensure that they too can enjoy and benefit from our non-formal education programmes which enable them to develop life and leadership skills and participate actively in the world around them.  A toolkit on Diversity in Guiding and Scouting, produced by the Europe Region WAGGGS and WOSM – European Region provides support, as does participation in Overture Network, a network of Guide and Scout associations working on diversity.   The Europe Region WAGGGS has also been awarded a grant from the European Commission – Directorate General Justice, Freedom and Security under the programme “Fundamental Rights and Citizenship” in order to implement an eighteen month project on anti-discrimination “The Right to be Part of the Solution.”

Secondly, we can ensure that Girl Guides and Girl Scouts are aware of the impact racism has on their own lives, or those of others and that they are aware of their rights and responsibilities  in fighting racism and discrimination.  We can raise awareness and speak out against racism, addressing clear demands to decision or policy-makers to ensure that young people do not have to suffer the effects of racism and discrimination.

The Europe Region has put together some activities for you to explore these issues further - download our Call to Action here.