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 was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1965. It seeks to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination and protect the rights of individuals regardless of their racial or ethnic background. In California, ICERD is part of the human rights law that is recognized and enforced by both state and federal governments. The Convention has been ratified by over 180 countries, making it one of the most widely adopted human rights treaties in the world. The Convention outlines a set of basic human rights for all people, including the right to equality in the enjoyment of civil, political, economic and social rights, the right to freedom from discrimination and segregation, and the right to participate in public and political life. It also requires that signatory governments take affirmative action to ensure that people of all races have the same opportunities and access to education, employment, health care, and other forms of social and economic benefits. The Convention also prohibits hate speech and any forms of incitement to discrimination or violence based on race or ethnic origin. In addition, it calls on states to take appropriate measures to promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among different racial and ethnic groups. Finally, ICERD requires governments to report their progress in eliminating racial discrimination to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. California has ratified the Convention and is therefore legally bound to comply with all of its provisions. This includes taking the necessary steps to implement the Convention effectively and to comply with its reporting requirements.

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