International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2022
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March. On this day in 1960, police killed 69 civilians in the Sharpeville Massacre, during protests against the apartheid regime in South Africa. In 1966, a United Nations General Assembly resolution called on the international community to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. Since then, the day has been organised each year under a theme, to highlight certain aspects of discrimination.
The 2022 edition of the International Day focuses on the theme “Voices for action against racism”. This edition aims, in particular, at: highlighting the importance of strengthening meaningful and safe public participation and representation in all areas of decision-making to prevent and combat racial discrimination; reaffirming the importance of full respect for the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and of protecting civic space; and recognizing the contribution of individuals and organizations that stand up against racial discrimination and the challenges they face.
Some EFDN programmes that further the goal of anti-racism and anti-discrimination in different areas and for different age groups include:
EFDN Programmes
Show Racism the Red Card
Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) is a 24-month anti-racism and anti-discrimination programme which is based on the proven concept of the Red Card Campaign delivered in several European countries. SRtRC utilises the high-profile status of football and football players to help tackle racism in society. The project aims to raise awareness of diversity, foster social cohesion, and reduce physical and verbal violence linked to racism.
Community Champions League
The Community Champions League is an EFDN project in partnership with nine community-engaged football clubs from the Netherlands, England, Scotland, Norway, Portugal, Hungary, Belgium and Germany.
The Community Champions League project highlights the key element of “Cultural understanding” in order to generate and emphasise mutual respect while creating confidence amongst the participants and building strong relationships between young people in their communities.
The project is focused on fair play, respect and tolerance, promoting social cohesion, equal opportunities and participation in sports for young boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 15 years. More specifically, the local Community Champions League puts young people with different backgrounds from the same neighbourhood together to compete as a team against their peers from other parts of the city in order to become the Community Champions of their city. The participating clubs organise workshops, community contributions and other events to promote volunteering and active citizenship. Thanks to a dynamic engagement of the whole neighbourhood within the programme, strong and active communities are therefore naturally being built within the cities.
EFDN Members initiatives
On the occasion of March 21, International Day against Racial Discrimination, the team participated in the “Show racism the red card” programme of EFDN and in yesterday’s game against sent a strong message against racism.
Tomorrow the club will have a matchday against racism and will use it to draw attention to the topic.
The “Show Racism the Red Card” programme was held in 3 more schools, with the participation of more than 800 children and young people! A final event was held in each of the schools, resulting in a day full of joy and learning for all!
Aris Limassol FC Social, Environmental, and Health Initiatives
