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 treaty which prohibits discrimination and promotes equality and non-discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin. It was adopted in 1965 by the United Nations General Assembly and has been ratified by South Carolina. The ICERD sets out a model of basic rights and freedoms that governments must protect and promote. These include the right to an equal education, the right to an equal job opportunity, the right to housing, the right to access public services, and the right to equal enjoyment of civil, political, economic and cultural rights. It prohibits acts of discrimination including segregation, and requires states to pursue policies of integration and respect for cultural diversity. The ICERD sets a global standard for countries to work towards eliminating racial discrimination. It requires states to create legal structures to protect citizens from discrimination and to ensure that everyone can enjoy their civil and political rights free from discrimination. It also requires states to take action to address and prevent acts of racial discrimination carried out by individuals, groups or organizations. As such, it is an important tool in upholding human rights law in South Carolina and beyond.

Related FAQs

What is the right to a nationality?
What are the remedies available when human rights are violated?
How does human rights law protect individuals?
What is the International Labour Organization?
How is the right to education protected in human rights law?
What is the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide?
What is the right to take part in the government of one's country?
What is the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment?
What are the rights of persons with disabilities?
What are the rights of the child under human rights law?

Related Blog Posts

Protecting Human Rights: An Introduction to the International Law of Human Rights - July 31, 2023
Exploring Human Rights: Your Guide to Understanding Human Rights Law - August 7, 2023
Who Is Protected By Human Rights Law? - August 14, 2023
The Human Rights Act: Understanding the UK’s Domestic Legal Framework - August 21, 2023
Human Rights in the European Union: An Overview - August 28, 2023