International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

International opposition to apartheid in South Africa
Campaigns
Academic boycott · Sporting boycott Disinvestment ·Constructive engagement
Instruments and legislation
UN Resolution 1761 (1962) Crime of Apartheid Convention (1973) Gleneagles Agreement (1977) Sullivan Principles (1977) Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act (1986)
Organisations
Anti-Apartheid Movement UN Special Committee against Apartheid Artists United Against Apartheid Halt All Racist Tours Organisation of African Unity
Conferences
1964 Conference for Economic Sanctions 1978 World Conference against Racism
UN Security Council Resolutions
Resolution 181 · Resolution 191 Resolution 282 · Resolution 418 Resolution 435 · Resolution 591
Other aspects
Elimination of Racism Day Biko (song) · Activists Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute Equity television programming ban

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March. On that day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid pass laws. 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.

See also

• Action Week Against Racism, around 21 March
• World Poetry Day, also on 21 March