ICERD stands for the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
Understanding ICERD
ICERD is a United Nations convention that commits its members to the pursuit of eliminating racial discrimination. It was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 21, 1965, and entered into force on January 4, 1969.
Key Aspects of ICERD
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Definition of Racial Discrimination: ICERD defines racial discrimination as "any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life."
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State Obligations: States that are parties to ICERD are obligated to:
- Condemn racial discrimination and undertake to pursue a policy of eliminating it.
- Not engage in any act or practice of racial discrimination against persons, groups of persons or institutions and to ensure that all public authorities and public institutions, national and local, shall act in conformity with this obligation.
- Not sponsor, defend or support racial discrimination by any persons or organizations.
- Review governmental, national and local policies, and to amend, rescind or nullify any laws and regulations which have the effect of creating or perpetuating racial discrimination wherever it exists.
- Prohibit and bring to an end, by all appropriate means, including legislation as required by circumstances, racial discrimination by any persons, group or organization.
- Encourage, where appropriate, integrationist multi-racial organizations and movements and other means of eliminating barriers between races, and to discourage anything which tends to strengthen racial division.
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Implementation and Monitoring: The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) monitors the implementation of ICERD by state parties. State parties are required to submit periodic reports to the Committee detailing their efforts to comply with the Convention. The Committee examines these reports and makes recommendations to the state parties.
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Individual Complaints: Under Article 14 of ICERD, individuals who believe that their rights under the Convention have been violated and who have exhausted all available domestic remedies can submit complaints to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. However, this procedure is only available if the state party has specifically declared that it recognizes the competence of the Committee to receive and consider such communications.
Significance
ICERD plays a crucial role in the international human rights framework. It provides a legal framework for combating racial discrimination and promoting equality. It also serves as a basis for advocacy and awareness-raising efforts aimed at challenging racial prejudice and discrimination worldwide.
