On Friday, March 21, 2025, the world commemorates the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, a significant event first established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle against racism, xenophobia, and discrimination globally, a battle that remains ever-relevant in light of rising hostility toward marginalized communities.
The 21st of March is not merely a date; it is a historic turning point rooted in the tragic events of March 21, 1960, known as the Sharpeville massacre. During this fateful day, South African police opened fire on a peaceful gathering organized by the Pan Africanist Congress, resulting in the deaths of 69 individuals and injuries to more than 250 others. As reported by Matthew McRae on the Canadian Museum for Human Rights' website, many of those who died were ordinary men, women, and children from the Black township of Sharpeville demanding equality in their racially segregated society.
Historian Pascal Blanchard emphasizes the significance of this moment, stating, "There was a before and after 1966, as the question of apartheid became a focal point of global discussion." However, he also notes that the integration of this commemoration into the public consciousness was not instant. The violence of past generations left deep social scars, and while progress has been made, legacies persist that manifest as discrimination and division in contemporary society.
In contemporary France, the urgency of the day is underscored by alarming statistics from 2024, which showed an 11% rise in reported racist, xenophobic, and anti-religious crimes. This situation reveals a troubling trend that calls for renewed commitment to combatting these issues. Nathalie Tehio, a Polynesian lawyer and president of the Ligue des droits de l'Homme, points to a recent barometer from the National Consultative Commission on Human Rights (CNCDH) indicating an increasing inclusion in discourse; however, she cautions that political leaders may become preoccupied with citing external enemies rather than addressing internal issues.
Tehio argues that public debates on discrimination often falter due to a lack of awareness among those not personally affected. “When you don’t experience discrimination, it’s hard to recognize its existence,” she explains. This illustrates the importance of widespread engagement when tackling such topics, noting that the public must rally together under the ideals of "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité." She asserts that attacks based on racialized narratives ultimately harm the community as a whole, emphasizing that inclusivity in the fight against racism is essential.
As various anti-racist organizations prepare for this significant day, like the Maison des potes, their commitment to raising awareness is more relevant than ever. Samuel Thomas, the general delegate of this federation, highlights the rising tide of racist rhetoric, stating, "We are witnessing a disinclination to challenge racist talk today. The situation is so critical that we must use at least one day to raise awareness and make it a focal point for reflection and mobilization.”
To mark this important observance, events are planned across the country. Notably, a demonstration is scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 2 PM from Place de la République in Paris, aimed at gathering support and fostering dialogue against racism.
Additionally, in Chalon, another gathering is set for the same day at 3 PM at Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, where community members will similarly express their opposition to racial discrimination. These initiatives signify a collective recognition of the need for continuous vigilance and activism against racism, reinforcing the relevance and necessity of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
As nations around the globe reflect on the importance of this day, there is a collective hope for progress in addressing racial discrimination and for a future where equality truly becomes a reality for all. While significant strides have been made since the establishment of this observance, Blanchard reminds us that the journey ahead is still long, and each act of solidarity contributes to a more just and equitable society.
