Awareness Equality and inclusion
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
On 21 March the UN calls for action against racism, marking the anniversary of the 1960 Sharpeville massacre in South Africa.
- UK
- USA
- Ireland (not marked)
- Canada
- Australia (not marked)
- New Zealand
- International
OrganiserUnited Nations General Assembly
ListingAdded by us from official sources
Last checked19 October 2026
First heldNot known
About the day
The UN General Assembly established the day in memory of the 69 people killed by police at a peaceful protest against apartheid pass laws. It supports wider international work on equality and non-discrimination.
Dates for the next three years
| Year | Date | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Sunday 21 March 2027 | UK, USA, International, Canada, New Zealand | Same date every year |
| 2028 | Tuesday 21 March 2028 | UK, USA, International, Canada, New Zealand | Same date every year |
| 2029 | Wednesday 21 March 2029 | UK, USA, International, Canada, New Zealand | Same date every year |
Where this information comes from
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