The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) was adopted by the General Assembly resolution 2106 (XX) of 21 December 1965 and entered into force on 4 January 1969.
In order to achieve its aims, the Convention provides for a definition of the term “racial discrimination”. According to Art. 1, it means
“any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life”.
The Convention requires that States parties pursue by all appropriate means a policy of eliminating racial discrimination in all its forms. They are also called to adopt positive measures designed to eradicate all incitement to this kind of discrimination, such as declaring an offence punishable by law all dissemination of ideas or violence based on racial discrimination.
Useful link
- the Committee, its activities and its rules of procedures
www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cerd/index.htm
- the status of ratifications
www2.ohchr.org/english/law/cerd.htm