The City of Airdrie is standing with the Town of Okotoks and other towns and cities in the province to take a stand against racism. 

At their meeting on March 15th, city council was asked by the Town of Okotoks to join them in proclaiming March 21st as International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in Airdrie, and council did just that.

Mayor Peter Brown said when the proclamation was made that it was being done in conjunction with other Alberta municipalities.

Each year, the world commemorates March 21st as the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

It was on March 21st, 1960 that police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws" and banned the African National Congress.  Today is recognized as Human Rights Day in South Africa. 

The theme for this year’s commemoration is  “Youth standing up against racism.” During the spring and summer of 2020, young people showed their support to the Black Lives Matter movement which drew millions of demonstrators worldwide to protest against racial injustice. 

The UN International Day for the Elimination of Racism website says about this year's theme:

"As we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March, we invite everyone, to join the youth around the globe who bring us closer to a culture of tolerance, equality and anti-discrimination by standing up against racial prejudice and intolerance.

Young people should be empowered to realize their rights to freedom of expression, assembly and access to information for they too have the right to participate in the life of the community.

Young people, including those from minority backgrounds who may face discrimination, deserve stronger support in securing decent work and strengthening their job prospects.

Young people have the right to learn about human rights and about human rights tools that can be used to fight against oppression, racism and discrimination.

We call on all decision-makers to empower these young people by giving them a seat at the table at the decision-making table."

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