21 March - International Day for the elimination of Racial Discrimination

21 March was proclaimed and established as the World Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in 1966 by the United Nations General Assembly. The day is a day of awakening for equal rights regardless of racial origin. “Hope For Children” CRC Policy Center (HFC) commemorates this day every year and stands firmly by all children, including children who migrate to escape discrimination and rights violations prevalent in their countries.

The occasion for the establishment of this day was a tragic event that shocked world public opinion. On 21 March 1960, the South African police killed 70 people in cold blood during a peaceful demonstration against the Apartheid laws imposed by the white minority regime in the country, thus applying the theory of racial inequality.

Years later and the phenomenon of racial discrimination and racism still exists. "You are not born a racist, you become one", as the saying goes, reinforcing the fact that it is everyone's responsibility to show respect for diversity. Unfortunately, racial discrimination is an everyday occurrence for many children and appears either as an obstruction of access to their basic rights or as verbal and practical intimidation.

Among other programs, HFC has undertaken the operation of private shelters for the accommodation and holistic support of unaccompanied children of migrant background with the aim of promoting their well-being, their smooth integration into their host countries, and the elimination of racist discourse and attitudes through the promotion of a culture of acceptance. Additionally, the Education and Awareness Department of the organisation, organises non-formal education workshops in primary and secondary education on topics related to anti-discrimination, racism and violence, and acceptance of diversity.

For more information regarding the programs of “Hope For Children”, you can visit the website www.uncrcpc.org.cy or call at +357 22 103234.