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.
