UN Secretary-General António Guterres has reaffirmed that racism remains a persistent global threat, describing it as a “toxic legacy of historic enslavement, colonialism, and discrimination.” In his message marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, Guterres called for urgent efforts to combat racial injustice and ensure the full implementation of international commitments.
Highlighting the upcoming 60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination in 2025, he emphasized its significance as a global framework against racial injustice. Originally adopted during the civil rights and anti-apartheid movements of the 1960s, the Convention continues to serve as a guiding light amid rising hate speech, deepening inequalities, and digital platforms that amplify division. Guterres called for universal ratification of the treaty and urged governments, businesses, and civil society to actively fight racism in all its forms.
Reaffirming the United Nations’ commitment to human dignity and equality, the Secretary-General vowed that the organization will continue its efforts until a world free of racial discrimination becomes a reality. He called on individuals and institutions worldwide to turn the principles of the Convention into concrete actions for a more just and inclusive society.
