UN chief calls for more efforts to end all forms of racial discrimination

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Saturday called upon all UN member states to learn from past tragedies to combat racism in today's world.

"Every day, people of all ages endure hatred, injustice and humiliation because of their skin color, descent, national or ethnic origin, or other supposedly racial characteristics," the secretary-general said in his message to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is observed annually on March 21.

"The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is an opportunity to renew our commitment to building a world of justice and equality where xenophobia and bigotry do not exist," Ban said.

The day aims to remind people of racial discrimination's negative consequences. It also encourages people to remember their obligation and determination to combat racial discrimination.

"We must learn the lessons of history and acknowledge the profound damage caused by racial discrimination," the secretary- general said. "That means carefully preserving the memory of historical wrongs so we may use our knowledge to eradicate prejudice and teach tolerance, non-discrimination and respect for diversity everywhere and for all."

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the launch of the International Decade for People of African Descent.

"In the past 50 years, there has been progress in the fight against racism and racial discrimination," he said. "We have seen the end of colonialism, the dismantling of apartheid and the rise of a global movement for equality."

"Yet, as history and current events attest, racial discrimination still presents a clear danger to people and communities in all regions," he added.

On March 21, 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid "pass laws."

Proclaiming the Day in 1966, the UN General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.

In 1979, the General Assembly adopted a program 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 March 21, would be organized annually in all States.

"Lasting peace can only be built on the premise that all people have equal rights and dignity -- regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, social or other status," Ban said. "To that end, I urge all nations to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, to promote historical accuracy and put in place robust policies and laws that will end all forms of discrimination as enshrined in the Convention." Endite