International Abolition Day (21 March) History, Significance, Theme and Observation

International Abolition Day Quick Facts

International Abolition Day Brief

International Day of the Elimination of Apartheid is celebrated every year on 21st March in different countries of the world.

International Abolition Day History

The day is associated with an incident on 21 March 1960 in which 69 people were killed in police firing. In South Africa, the police started firing on these unarmed people when they were peacefully protesting. After this incident, the United Nations General Assembly urged all over the world to celebrate the day to prevent the violation of the rights of anyone and in 1966 the first International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was celebrated.

International Abolition Day Objective

The purpose of International Day for the Elimination of Apartheid is to bring awareness to bring equality in society.

More info about International Abolition Day

Important facts related to International Day for the Elimination of Apartheid:

1. The theme of the 2016 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was 'Achievements and Challenges of the Durban Declaration and Action Plan'.
2. In September 2016, the United Nations launched a program called 'Together' which aims to create a sense of respect, love, security and respect for each other. For the same purpose, the United Nations also launched other programs against racial discrimination.
3. The United Nations Human Rights Office also started a campaign called 'Stand Up for Someone's Rights Today' in the year 2016 so that we can help those who are not getting their rights or are being violated.
4. The World Conference Against Racism was organized during an event in Durban in 2001, in which an action plan on racial discrimination, rancor and related intolerance was drawn up.
5. On March 21, 1960, in Sharpeville, South Africa, police opened fire on people protesting peacefully against a law based on apartheid, in which 69 people were killed.
6. The United Nations General Assembly in 1966 called on the international community to step up efforts to end all forms of racial discrimination.
7. The Durban Declaration and Action Plan was adopted in 2001 at the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Bigotry and Related Intolerance.
8. It is the most widely designed framework to fight racism, intolerance and related forms of discrimination.
9. It reflects the resolve taken by the world community against discrimination and intolerance.
10. Its manifesto includes a wide range of measures aimed at combating racism, including measures to prevent racial discrimination against all communities.
11. The document emphasizes the right of victims to freedom and equal participation in political, social, economic and cultural life.

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