UNITED NATIONS INFORMATION CENTRE – DAR ES SALAAM
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination this
year focuses on using the power of sport to end the blight of racism. It is an
opportunity to highlight the sharp contrast between the positive values of
sports and the despicable incidents of racism that scar even some professional
competitions.
Sport is a universal activity that
can reaffirm our fundamental human rights. Combating racism lies at the heart
of the United Nations Charter. The international community has an obligation to
work for equality and non-discrimination, and we can advance progress by
promoting these values through sports.
Each year we mark this Day on the anniversary of the 1960 Sharpeville
massacre. We can never forget the 69 unarmed and peaceful demonstrators who were
killed by South African police as they protested the country’s unjust apartheid
laws.
Apartheid has long since been
dismantled and there have been other important advances in the struggle against
racism. These include treaties and
declarations, the development of an international framework to combat racism,
and national protection systems by numerous States.
Despite much progress, racism remains a pervasive menace to individuals
and ethnic and religious groups worldwide.
It is a threat to stability and a grave violation of human rights.
We must join forces to end racism, and sport can help reach this goal. On this International Day, let us recommit to
ending racial discrimination and realizing our vision of justice, equality and
freedom from fear for all.
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