This day was proclaimed by the United Nations Organisation's General Assembly in 1966. It came about as a result of the Sharpeville Massacre, which took place on this day in 1960. The UN established this commemoration to help the international community to strengthen its efforts against racial discrimination globally.

Read more about this year's International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Click here for more on the International Day for the elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Read more about the United Nations and apartheid.

Source:

http://www.nyc.gov.za/calendar/calendar_of_events.htm

http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/racial/