March 21, 2016 

Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of
the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

OTTAWA—Racism has no place in the smart and caring society to which we aspire, yet millions of people are confronted with racism each day.

Nearly 50 years ago, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The theme this year is “Challenges and Achievements of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action – 15 years after.” The Declaration, adopted at the 2001 World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance calls for concerted actions and speaks to the determination of the international community to eliminate acts of intolerance that persist around the world.

Today, as our country continues to welcome newcomers, we have the opportunity to consider how far we have come, the challenges that lie ahead and the ways that we might overcome them.

I invite all Canadians to reflect on this and to make a firm commitment to stand up to racism, discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance.

David Johnston

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Media information:
Julie Rocheleau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-7280
julie.rocheleau@gg.ca

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