The General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) in 1966 declared March 21 the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. On that day in 1960, police in Sharpeville, South Africa killed 69 people in a peaceful protest to abolish segregation and against apartheid as an official policy.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, in her address on the occasion of today's celebration, once again stressed that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. We can all contribute to the development and well-being of society. The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is an opportunity for all of us to repeat that every day of the year we will fight to put an end to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance.
Today, in many parts of the world, we are witnessing an increase in movements based on ideas of racial superiority that demonize migrants and minorities. Such nationalism strengthens divisions, fosters violence and makes society less secure. You can take care of your country and still take care of the world. You can take care of your community and your family, while at the same time respecting the diversity of others.
Regretfully, we conclude that, in our country, racial discrimination is directly or indirectly directed towards citizens belonging to the Roma community. The Committee has been collecting data for a long time and considering requests by citizens, members of the Roma community for their labeling, targeting and unequal treatment.
Roma as a vulnerable group are often victims of multiple discrimination and have limited access to social, health and educational services.
Once again, we emphasize our commitment and commitment in the fight against unequal status and treatment in the Republic of North Macedonia, aimed at the complete elimination of racial discrimination, and we invite all citizens who feel discriminated on any grounds to report it to the Helsinki Committee.
