International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

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On March 21st, 2024, we commemorate International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Racial discrimination can be defined as unfair treatment based on race, national or ethnic origin, and/or colour. An example of racial discrimination is not being hired for a job that one is qualified for solely on the basis of one’s racial identity.

In Canada, and around the world, we have been seeing progress toward racial equality. For instance, in Canada, we have the Canadian Human Rights Act, which prevents discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, and other characteristics. The Federal Government will be investing nearly $221 million to launch Canada’s first-ever Black Entrepreneurship Program.

Globally, we see such initiatives as the United Nations’ International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. In this resolution, countries that signed onto it commit to eliminate racism in their countries. The resolution ranges from the large-scale (i.e. outlawing apartheid, or separating people based on racial or ethnic grounds), to the small-scale, such as not supporting racial discrimination by any persons or organizations.

Despite the promising developments in our modern world, racial discrimination still exists in Canada and throughout the world. For instance, many commentators have stated that the government’s handling of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada is a sign of racial mistreatment. In Canada, we have also seen anti-Asian racial discrimination aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Globally speaking, we see troubling signs of racial discrimination including a disproportionate population of African Americans being imprisoned in the United States, as well as some European soccer fans shouting ethnic slurs at players of different races.

Nevertheless, we can all play a role in eliminating racial discrimination. We can start by changing our own minds. We can make the conscious choice to expose ourselves to different cultures, viewpoints, and friends. We can read books by people who are totally different than ourselves and find out a new way of looking at the world grounded in respect and tolerance.

We can stand up against racism by verbally expressing that it is not okay when racism occurs. We can see each other as individuals, not as representatives of racial groups. Together, we can make a difference!

The Alexander College Library team invites you to check out our displays at ACB and ACV!