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

The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) is an international treaty designed to ensure that all peoples of the world have equal rights and are not subject to discrimination based on their race. The treaty was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1965 and has been ratified by over 170 countries, including the United States and New Mexico. CERD outlines various forms of racial discrimination that are prohibited, including direct or indirect discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, descent, or national or ethnic origin. It also requires governments to take measures necessary to prevent and reduce discrimination. This includes setting up educational and training campaigns for citizens, as well as providing an effective remedies system to investigate and punish perpetrators of racial discrimination. CERD is monitored by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which looks for compliance and reports back to the UN General Assembly. Signatories of the treaty must also submit regular reports to the Committee detailing their efforts to carry out the provisions of CERD. The Committee then provides comments and advice for how to further implement the treaty. In New Mexico, CERD has been in effect since 1995 when the state ratified the treaty. The state has set up multiple initiatives and agencies to ensure that people are not subject to racial discrimination and that they are treated equally under the law. Although the situation is not perfect, CERD is helping New Mexico and the rest of the world move towards a future where racial discrimination does not exist.

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

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