UN-POLAC Advocates Classless Society
As the World marks 60 Years of Fighting Racial Discrimination: A Milestone in the Global Quest for Equality”.
Today, UN-POLAC commemorate the 60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD). Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1965, ICERD is a landmark treaty that has played a crucial role in the global fight against racial discrimination. As we mark this significant milestone, we reflect on the progress made, the challenges that remain, and the importance of continued collective action to eradicate racial discrimination worldwide.
As United Nations Positive Livelihood Award Centre Nigeria (UN-POLAC) joins the rest of the World to mark this year International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination, UN-POLAC advocates for a race classless society that eliminates inequality due to skin colour.
The new Country President, UN-POLAC ,Amb. Engr. Peter Ohagwa (KSC) said racism has severely eroded into the fabrics of our society and must be eradicated. Anchoring on this year’s theme ” A Powerful, global commitment to eradicate racial discrimination in all its forms.” Amb.Ohagwa hinted that irrespective of skin colours individuals should be equal in every aspect of life.
Quoting Martin Luther King Jr ” People should be judged by the content of their character and not colour of their skin”
He advised that people should always look inwards to identify personalities rather than focusing on the physical outlook.
Further speaking, the Country President pointed out how racism can diminish people and render them unproductive. Using South Africa as a reference during apartheid government where blacks were relegated to a social class that made them look like they are of no importance other than to be used in fields for hard labour without any reward to show for it.
Amb. Ohagwa also appreciated the Late Nelson Mandela, who, at all costs, staked his life to fight the menace and won. This is a testament that the crusade against racism is a winnable one if we recruit ourselves as soldiers to fight.
The President also affirm that even in our immediate society where almost everyone is black yet some individuals suffer discrimination because of albinism. He therefore urges against such and urges for a collective fight against this as victims are likely in turn suffer low self-esteem. In his words, “Being albino does not affect educational abilities neither does it affect job output or ability to reason in top gear, so why then discriminate just because of skin colour.’
We must also acknowledge the ongoing challenges and recommit to collective action to eliminate racial discrimination. Governments, international institutions, civil society organizations, and individuals must work together to:
1. Strengthen legislation and policies to address racial discrimination.
2. Enhance education and awareness-raising efforts to promote tolerance and understanding.
3. Support marginalized communities and amplify their voices.
4. Foster international cooperation and solidarity to address the global dimensions of racial discrimination.
He also urged those that are facing racial discrimination never to let it not weigh them down in any of their endeavours rather they should use it as a tool to better themselves and the society at large.
“People of different colours who find themselves in environments where they are racially discriminated or abused never to give up but rather use the harsh conditions to push for a better version of themselves”
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on March 21st.
This day commemorates the tragic event of March 21, 1960, in Sharpeville, South Africa, where 69 unarmed black protesters were killed by police while demonstrating against apartheid laws.
E-signed
Amb. Dr. Mrs Patricia Agu
Secretary General
UN-POLAC