What is the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination?
The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) is an international human rights treaty that prohibits racial discrimination and promotes equality and non-discrimination. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1965 and has been ratified by more than 180 countries, including the United States and Alaska. ICERD defines racial discrimination as any distinction, exclusion, restriction, or preference based on race, color, descent, or national or ethnic origin. It also calls for countries to take action to eliminate existing racial disparity and discrimination in areas such as access to education, health services, employment, and housing. In addition, ICERD requires signatory countries to adopt laws and policies that prohibit any kind of racial discrimination in all their forms, including direct or indirect discrimination. It also requires that signatories provide prompt, impartial, and effective compensation to victims of racial discrimination and take measures to ensure that they have access to justice. Furthermore, ICERD requires that signatories promote mutual understanding, tolerance, and friendship among all racial, ethnic, and national groups and provide equal access to all public places and services without discrimination. State parties are also responsible for ensuring that any dissemination of ideas based on racial superiority or hatred is prohibited. In Alaska, ICERD has been incorporated into state law and state officials are required to take steps to ensure that everyone is treated fairly regardless of their race, ethnicity, or national origin.
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