UN call on countries to recommit to ending racial discrimination as world marks Day for elimination of racial discrimination.

Story: Benjamin Xornam Glover The UN has called on countries to recommit to ending racial discrimination to realize the vision of justice, equality and freedom from fear for all. It warns that despite progress made over the years in the struggle against racism, it remains a pervasive menace to individuals and ethnic and religious groups worldwide. A statement issued by the UN information Centre, Accra in connection of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which falls on March 21, 2013, the UN said it was focusing on the power of sport to end the blight of racism. "The choice of sport as an activity or a channel to fight racism is to highlight the sharp contrast between the positive values of sports and the “despicable incidents of racism that scar even some professional competitions” said Ban Ki-moon, UN General Secretary in a message to mark the Day. According to the statement, the theme “Racism and Sport” was chosen by the UN Human Rights Office to highlight the problem of racism in sports, which remains a disturbing occurrence in many parts of the world, as well as to raise awareness of the role sports can play in combating racism and racial discrimination. Mr Ban said sport is a universal activity that can reaffirm the fundamental human rights adding that combating racism lies at the heart of the United Nations Charter and the international community has an obligation to work for equality and non-discrimination, and can advance progress by promoting these values through sports. To mark the day, a special event will take place in Geneva on March 21, 2013 and will feature two football stars: Kevin-Prince Boateng (German-Ghanaian player for AC Milan) and Patrick Vieira (French-Senegalese player, now with the Manchester City Football Club). The panel discussion will also include representatives of UEFA (William Gaillard) and FIFA (Federico Addiechi) as well as Ambassador Mohamed Siad Douale (Chairperson of the Inter-Governmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action) and Piara Powar, Executive Director of the FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) Network. On March 21 each year, the horrors of the March 21, 1960 Sharpeville, South Africa massacre is remembered to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The statement quotes the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms Navi Pillay, as saying “the massacre in Sharpeville represents a much wider tragedy: we mark its anniversary to remember also the millions of people around the world who are still, today, victims of racism and racial discrimination.” End benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh