On this day in Sharpeville South Africa, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960. On the same day in 1966, the UN General Assembly called on the international community to organise a week of solidarity with people struggling against racism and racial discrimination, to be organised annually.
This year’s theme is “Youth Standing Up Against Racism”. Young people strongly supported the 2020 Black Lives Matter marches, with many protesting against racial injustice both at marches and on social media. Due to restrictions with COVID-19 and the severe impact it had, and still has, on them, their efforts were considered extraordinary.
COVID-19 is still heavily impacting young people, in particular those from “minority” backgrounds. In addition to severe disruptions in their education, decrease in their employment prospects and their reduced ability to participate in public life, they are also facing increasing racial discrimination, making the consequences for their well-being even more worse. According to a new research conducted by Imperial College in London, the UK, showed that almost a third of young people in the UK experienced poor mental health during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Furthermore, the study found that young Black people, in particular, faced higher odds of having poor mental health.
Let’s continue to aim for a global culture of tolerance, equality and anti-discrimination, and most importantly, let’s dismantle white supremacy. Let’s stand up against racial prejudice and discrimination, not just today, but EVERYDAY!
#FightRacism #ProtectOurYouth
International day for the elimination of racial discrimination
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