Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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March 23, 2026 Human rights
"Sixty-nine people were killed when police opened fire indiscriminately on a crowd peacefully protesting apartheid" – with this reminder of the tragedy in Sharpeville, UN Secretary-General António Guterres began his speech to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
A protest in South Africa on March 21, 1960, ended with the mass shooting of unarmed demonstrators, sparking a wave of outrage worldwide. The UN Security Council, in Resolution 134, condemned the actions of the South African government. The UN Secretary-General emphasized that the memory of this tragedy remains an important symbol in the fight against racism.
Learned behavior
The UN chief noted that racial discrimination is a direct violation of human rights. He asserted that racism is not an innate, but an acquired trait.
"This is a learned behavior that is widespread and has devastating consequences," Guterres said.
He emphasized that the consequences of racism are still felt today – in the legacy of slavery, colonialism, and oppression. They are also reflected in economic, social, and political inequality.
"Racism underlies the abhorrent actions of white supremacists and other extremist groups. It sows mistrust, divides societies, and robs people of their human dignity," the UN chief said.
Hate in the Digital Environment
The Secretary-General said the spread of hatred in the digital environment is particularly alarming today. New technologies, he noted, facilitate the spread of false notions and stereotypes, which often lead to violence in real life.
The Secretary-General also expressed concern that xenophobia and racism are increasingly becoming part of political discourse and are being normalized in the public space.
“I am deeply concerned about how racism and xenophobia are becoming mainstream on digital platforms and in political discourse,” he said.
Guterres emphasized the need for joint action by governments, businesses, and society: "Let us fight for the dignity, rights, and sense of belonging of every person. And together, let us vow to erase the stain of racism from our world," the Secretary-General said.
Under the guise of the ordinary
Racism still exists in every corner of the world and takes many different forms, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock noted in her speech.
"Sometimes it manifests itself in obvious and vulgar ways – in the form of offensive words thrown at another person or graffiti scratched on a wall," she said.
"Sometimes it manifests itself quietly and unnoticed, hiding behind the mask of bureaucracy and concealed behind the ordinary," Baerbock added.
But whatever form it takes, racism has devastating consequences for society as a whole, not just for individuals, she stressed.
Breaking down barriers
“Let’s not kid ourselves: we may no longer separate people by race on buses, but too often we still do so in our thoughts and in the way we live,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.
Around the world, people of African and Asian descent, Jews, Muslims, indigenous peoples and other ethnic, religious and cultural minorities continue to face discrimination, stigmatization, hatred and dehumanization, he stressed.
"By questioning our preconceptions, checking the facts, and studying history and human rights, we can see clearly beyond the distraction tactics and realize our common humanity," Türk said.
He called for us to work together to break down barriers that limit people, “until they disappear completely.”
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