New york: The United Nations has called for stronger solidarity and political will to eliminate racial discrimination globally, as leaders marked a key international day against racism. The President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, made the call at an event at UN Headquarters in New York. She spoke to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, observed annually on March 21 since its declaration by the UN in 1966.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Baerbock recalled the Sharpeville massacre, where police killed 69 peaceful protesters demonstrating against apartheid laws, describing it as a defining moment in the fight against racial injustice. She highlighted that the crowd gathered outside Sharpeville police station on March 21, 1960, came armed with conviction to claim their dignity within society. Baerbock emphasized that the annual commemoration is about more than just one notorious incident, noting that racism persists globally.
Baerbock further explained that racism manifests in both explicit and discreet forms, masked in bureaucracy and hidden within the ordinary. Whether loud or silent, it is damaging, and its consequences extend beyond individuals. UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres also addressed the assembly, warning that racism harms societies and deepens global inequalities. He pointed out that it persists in the consequences of enslavement, colonialism, and oppression, fueling economic, social, and political inequalities and conflicts.
Guterres expressed concern over governments weakening anti-racist policies and the spread of hate speech across digital platforms and political discourse. He emphasized the dangers of such developments and called for collective action from governments, institutions, businesses, and communities to protect dignity, justice, equality, and human rights for all.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Trk noted that history demonstrates that movements for equality are unstoppable, citing global figures and grassroots resistance. He stressed the necessity of strong political will, including enforcing laws against discrimination and ensuring accountability for all forms of racial hatred.
U.S. law professor Justin Hansford reflected on modern struggles for racial justice, linking them to past sacrifices such as those at Sharpeville, underscoring the ongoing fight for racial equality and justice.