International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION--International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

• ---------------------------------------------------------------Nova Scotians are being urged to participate in events Monday, March 21, to recognize International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Each year on March 21, people around the world gather in their communities with a common goal, the elimination of racism. Since the 1960 massacre of anti-apartheid demonstrators in Sharpeville, South Africa, the date has been a symbol of the need to protect human rights.

In 1966, the United Nations formally recognized the date as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.

"Despite many gains, racism still exists in all of its ugly forms in the province," said Krista Daley, director and CEO, Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. "It can be overt, subtle and systemic.

"Our responsibility is to acknowledge its existence and to work to eliminate those conditions that cause or help to perpetuate racial discrimination."

Events around the province include:

• a film festival hosted by Partners for Human Rights at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Halifax from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There are six short films on issues relating to racial diversity.
• The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, Cape Breton University, the Cape Breton Regional Police Force and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality Diversity Office will host Stop Racism: A Community Dialogue in Sydney. Highlights include a harmony breakfast, entertainment by the Inspirational Singers and Sons of Membertou Drum Group, a keynote speech by Chief Terrance Paul of Membertou, and the presentation of the Carl "Campy" Crawford Award. The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the multipurpose room, Cape Breton University.