TORONTO, March 20, 2012 /CNW/ - The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was first proclaimed in 1966 in commemoration of the lives of anti-apartheid demonstrators who were killed in Sharpeville, South Africa.
In marking this day, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) is mindful that racism and racial discrimination are not things of the past. The senseless killing of four Jewish people yesterday in Toulouse and Montauban, France, and the earlier killing of two paratroopers of <http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/North+African> North African and French Caribbean origin, is a racist act which could happen anywhere as long as we remain silent about racism and anti-Semitism.
"Although the manifestations of racism are still with us, we need to recognize our many accomplishments in removing barriers to foreign credentials, the integration of foreign trained professionals into the work force and the increased awareness of Canadians against racism and racial discrimination", said Ayman Al-Yassini Executive Director of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. "By affirming our commitment to working together to protect the rights and responsibilities of all members of society we will be able to root out racism and racial discrimination from our midst", Al-Yassini noted.
The Canadian Race Relations Foundation's mission is to provide independent, outspoken national leadership, and act as a resource and facilitator in the pursuit of equity, fairness and social justice for all Canadians.
Ayman Al-Yassini, 416-952-4476 or 647-403-8526 (cell)
Share this article