Machynlleth Celebrates International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Young people from across the Machynlleth area came together this Sunday 21st March to celebrate the annual International Day Against Racial Discrimination. ‘Youth standing up against racism’ is the 2021 theme for the day and the event aims to foster a global culture of tolerance, equality and anti-discrimination and calls on each and every one of us to stand up against racial prejudice and intolerant attitudes.

Nathan (12)  Ruben (10) Neru (11) and Osian (12) were some of the organizers of Sunday’s event, they said. “In recent weeks there have been a few racist and xenophobic comments made to us and our friends. We wanted to come together to stand up to racism. The pump track is a place for everyone to come and feel safe and enjoy biking and prejudiced behavior is not welcome here or anywhere.

Organisers of the event are also asking local schools, businesses, and the town council to sign up for the Zero Racism Wales pledge.  “Racism exists every day, and unfortunately, it also exists here in our town. There is so much more we can do to hold ourselves and one another accountable, to uphold the highest standards of inclusion, appreciation and celebration of diversity across Wales. We stand in solidarity. We come together in unity and purpose, and we say NO to racism in all its forms.”

Zero Racism Wales calls on all organizations and individuals committed to promoting racial harmony and equity to sign up to the zero-tolerance policy to racism in Wales and implement the commitments outlined by the policy within the workplace and their day-to-day lives.

The International Day Against Racial Discrimination is observed annually on the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960.