Throughout
history, many of the horrible things that people have done
to each other have occurred because one group of people felt
superior to another. They learned to see differences in others
-- such as race, color, gender, age, disability, religious
belief or sexual orientation -- as a reason for thinking that
people with that characteristic were not worthy of the same
rights as they were. This prejudice justified their decision
to discriminate against the other group - the other group
was humiliated, excluded, restricted or marginalized because
of these perceived differences.
When the United Nations was formed to help countries work
together to create a more peaceful, just and sustainable world,
a cornerstone of its Charter declared that all people are
entitled to the same human rights and freedom, regardless
of their color, sex, language or religion. Our global community
has come a long way in helping to eliminate discrimination,
but we still have far to go.
End Racism Day, officially known as The International
Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, is a
perfect opportunity to help our communities celebrate human
unity and the diversity of the human race rather than allow
our differences to become an excuse for racial separation.
It's a chance to recognize prejudice, stereotypes and discrimination
in our society, and how each of us may have our own prejudices
and may be making people feel excluded without our even realizing
it. It's a chance to reaffirm our commitment to eliminate
all forms of discrimination and help create communities and
societies where all citizens can live in dignity, equality
and peace.
