STATEMENT BY THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER
ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY
FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March. On this 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 General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.

The first article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”. The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination reminds us of our collective responsibility for promoting and protecting this ideal.

Speaking on the occasion, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, John Rankin, said:

“The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is an opportunity for all of us to re-commit to defending and promoting fundamental equality. We live in an age of diversity, where societies grow ever more complex each day. Diversity is not a choice – it is a reality that we live; a reality that makes it imperative that the prejudice and injustice of racial discrimination is purged from society.

The UK is popularly known as a multicultural society. The heart of multiculturalism is not about statistics – it is about attitude. According to the 2001 census, of the UK’s 60 million strong population, approximately 4.6 million people – or 7.9 per cent of the population – are from a minority ethnic group. From the colourful Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s largest street festival, to celebrating Black History Month every October, UK society embraces racial diversity.

The UK has also taken legal steps to ensure the elimination of racial discrimination. As long ago as 1976, the Race Relations Act prevented discrimination on grounds of race, colour and ethnic origin. The Human Rights Act 1998 sets out people’s social and economic rights, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), formed in October 2007, champions equality and human rights for all, irrespective of age, sexual orientation, religion, gender – or race.

Tolerance and passive acceptance of others is not enough. Racial discrimination is a breeding ground for tension and mistrust that can lead to conflict – a phenomenon we have witnessed, time and again, in history. Overcoming racism will lead to the evolution of a strong, dynamic and healthy society – the foundation for sustainable peace and development in the twenty-first century.”