Racism, in its all forms, is not going to disappear if we turn a blind eye and ignore it. An efficient fight against racism requires a swift reaction of the authorities to, and prosecution of, the individuals who commit hate crimes and spread race hatred and xenophobia.
In her public statement regarding observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Commissioner said the biggest battle against racism would have to take place in the classrooms, where children learn that all people are born equal, have the same rights and deserve respect, with no distinctions based on their skin color, race, nationality, or origin.
The statement highlighted not only listed incidents of racism in Serbia, but the result of a recent survey, which said that every fourth child demonstrates a highly racist attitude towards the Roma population.
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March. On that day in 1960, police opened fire on and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid pass laws.
Proclaiming the day in 1966, the United Nations General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.