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 law that seeks to eliminate racial discrimination from all levels of society. It was adopted by the United Nations in 1965 and has been ratified by 181 state parties, including the United States. The Convention sets out a general principle of non-discrimination in the enjoyment of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights and reiterates the principle of equality before the law for all persons regardless of race, colour, or national or ethnic origin. It also prohibits racial discrimination in public education and encourages State Parties to promote its implementation by recognizing the cultural rights of minority groups. The Convention also creates a Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) with the power to investigate alleged violations of the convention and advise states on how to better implement it. The CERD is responsible for reviewing reports submitted by States Parties that represents their efforts to comply with the obligations of the Convention. Further, States Parties are required to take all concrete measures necessary to eliminate racial discrimination, including prohibiting hate speech and incitement to racial hatred. In Washington, this has resulted in various initiatives such as educational programs in schools to promote tolerance and support for diversity. Overall, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination is a strong and important law that seeks to ensure all people can enjoy their human rights without prejudice and discrimination.

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What is the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination?

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