March 21, 2019
In 1966, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21st as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The UN Assembly called on the international community to strengthen its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.
The recent tragedy in New Zealand reminds us all that racial discrimination kills. But it’s not an isolated event. Quebec City, Charleston, Pittsburgh, Finsbury Park, and countless more have to lead to a firm acknowledgement, racial discrimination needs to be fought vigorously with all our energy.
Numerous politicians, public opinion leaders, columnist promote anti-immigrant, anti-refugee, xenophobic, anti-Semitic and Islamophobia rhetoric. Words that validate views of too many of our fellow citizens, our neighbours and even members of our own families.
Enough is enough. The world cannot continue this way and it is up to all of us to work together to put a stop to this venom that’s poisoning our world.
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and have the potential to contribute constructively to the development and well-being of their societies.
We can no longer stand in silence when we witness acts of intolerance or violence against our fellow humans.
Speak up. Show empathy and solidarity. Let’s help each other out. We can be all leaders among our peers.
One voice can change the world.
In Solidarity,
Jan Simpson
1st National Vice-President
2015-2019 Bulletin #514