International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - March 21

Since 1966, the 21st of March has been recognized by the United Nations as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. March 21 was declared in honour of those who lost their lives in the Sharpville, South Africa massacre where, during a peaceful protest, 69 anti-apartheid protesters died and 180 were wounded.

Canada was one of the first countries to support the UN declaration and, in 1989, the Department of Canadian Heritage launched its annual March 21 Campaign.

Racism Free Alberta is a joint initiative of community partners from across the province, Canadian Heritage – Alberta District, the Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Education Fund, and the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission. They have joined together to plan and promote a variety of activities sponsored by schools, community organizations and public institutions across the province, to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Community partners include:
Northern Alberta Alliance on Race Relations (NAARR);
Calgary Centre for Culture, Equity and Diversity
(formerly Calgary Committee on Race Relations and Cross Cultural Understanding);
Central Alberta Diversity Association;
Multicultural Association of Fort McMurray;
Southeastern Alberta Racial and Community Harmony Society;
and Grande Prairie Multicultural Association.

As well, the Help Make a Difference initiative encourages Albertans to contribute to building a fair and respectful society through their own actions. The website includes 34 ways to build stronger, better relationships between people of all backgrounds. The initiative consists of public service announcements produced in partnership with Global Television and a website where visitors can access additional information, view the ads and find links to other useful websites. This website can be found at www.HelpMakeaDifference.com.

Human Rights and Citizenship Branch
Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture
Room 800 Standard Life Centre
10405 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4R7
Phone: (780) 427-3116 (in Alberta, but outside Edmonton dial 310-0000)
Fax: (780) 422-3563
TTY: (780) 427-1597