Fact Sheet - International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Access fact sheet on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) and its significance in combating racism globally.
Summary
The Australian Human Rights Commission has developed this fact sheet about the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) to demonstrate how 'harmony' hides structural and systemic racism.
About the IDERD fact sheet
The fact sheet is designed to support individual and organisational conversations about the importance of keeping the focus of IDERD on mobilising against all forms and manifestations of racial discrimination and injustice. The fact sheet describes how ‘Harmony Week’ is an example of the way language can be used to reframe anti-racism, and operates to reinforce inequality and maintain the status quo.
In contrast, having proactive, open discussions about racism demonstrates a commitment to tackling racism when it occurs and preventing it in the future. A nuanced approach to discussing racism in the context of IDERD enables the development of more advanced racial awareness, and provides the space to strategise for change.
We hope this fact sheet assists you in taking the opportunity IDERD presents to meaningfully acknowledge Australia’s deep-seated issues with race and racism, question the various ways racism shapes our society, and redouble our commitment to anti-racism.
Download the fact sheet
A PDF version of the fact sheet is available to download below.
Fact sheet in other languages
The fact sheet is also available in Arabic, Burmese, Dari, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese via this link.
IDERD fact sheet
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (PDF, 139KB)
