March 21 marks both the beginning of spring and the United Nations (UN)’s International Day for Racial Discrimination Awareness. This day highlights an issue that still exists in many areas of daily life, including housing and employment.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that all humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights (Article 1). Every individual is entitled to human rights without discrimination. Additionally, these rights and freedoms apply without any distinction of race or physical features (Article 2).
Despite global efforts, racial discrimination awareness remains essential. Discrimination appears in many forms, including racism, xenophobia, and intolerance. Migrants, refugees, and people of African descent frequently face these challenges. While Western Europe and the United States show relative racial tolerance, many Asian countries remain skeptical of diversity.
Studies by Swedish economists, supported by The Washington Post, reveal that racial diversity often sparks skepticism in regions like the Philippines and Indonesia. These perspectives are deeply rooted in complex historical interactions between ethnic groups.
Figure 1: Racism in the world. Retrieved from The Washington Post, Max Fisher (May 15, 2013).
Even in Europe, racial discrimination awareness remains necessary. A study in The Netherlands found that job applicants with North African or Arabic backgrounds still face hiring discrimination. Such practices contradict anti-discrimination laws but persist in many industries.
In the seafood sector, workers often face forced labor or racial bias. FairAgora Asia believes that tackling racial discrimination awareness in Southeast Asia requires effective social metrics and partnerships.
Fair recruitment procedures and non-discrimination policies should be priorities for businesses, organizations, and governments. States must implement stronger measures to combat racial discrimination, ensuring inclusion, tolerance, and diversity across all sectors.
Eliminating racial discrimination requires ongoing awareness, policy enforcement, and collective action. Governments, businesses, and individuals must work together to create inclusive societies where everyone receives equal opportunities, regardless of race or background. Strengthening fair recruitment, anti-discrimination laws, and social accountability will help drive meaningful change. Racial discrimination awareness is not just a one-day event, it’s a continuous effort toward justice and equality.
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