The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March since declared by the United Nations in 1966. In South Africa, the country in which the event took place that gave rise to the observance, the Sharpeville Massacre, the day is commemorated as Human Rights Day, and is a public holiday.
Background
On 21 March 1960, police opened fire at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the pass laws. In the event known as the Sharpeville massacre, 69 people were killed and 180 injured.
Proclaiming the day in 1966, the United Nations General Assembly called
on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms
of racial discrimination.
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