The 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination marks the 60th anniversary of an important human rights treaty — the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD). Adopted by the United Nations (UN) in 1965, the ICERD was the first of the UN’s core human rights treaties. It set the stage for future human rights advances and underpins the ongoing global fight against racism and discrimination.

As part of their work under the ICERD, the United Nations designated March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The day commemorates the Sharpeville Massacre, in which police in South Africa opened fire on a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws,” killing 69 people.

This year’s observance offers an opportunity to celebrate progress made under the ICERD. But it also highlights the work still needed to create a world free from racial discrimination.

Though antiracism efforts must focus on adults, from whom children learn their early beliefs and behaviours, childhood interventions can also be a starting point. A systematic review undertaken by the Children’s Health Policy Centre identified two interventions that reduced racist attitudes. To learn more, see Vol. 15, No. 3 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.