The annual celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March, promoted by the United Nations (UN), recognises the importance of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1965), promotes discussion and calls on society to eradicate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance – social phenomena based on the hierarchisation of people based on physical characteristics such as skin colour, hair texture, eye shape or other ethno-racial characteristics, which constitute serious offences against human rights.
Among the challenges to promoting racial justice is the persistent lack of disaggregated data, an issue discussed in the planned activities to mark this date.
March 21st
Between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2024, the UN proclaimed the International Decade for People of African Descent with the theme "People of African Descent: Recognition, Justice and Development" to highlight the promotion and protection of the human rights of people of African descent. At NOVA University, the particular challenges faced by African and Afro-descendant students mobilise student clubs and groups such as: