Race Relations Day
Race Relations Day falls on 21 March. It is a time for all Wellingtonians to celebrate the many diverse cultures that make up the city.
Wellington City Council runs and supports a series of free activities during the week of Race Relations Day.
Race Relations Day Celebration: People in Your Neighbourhood
Each year Wellington City Council acknowledges and celebrates the cultural diversity of its workforce on Race Relations Day by organising internal events within the Council as well as supporting other public events around the city.
Celebrations of Race Relations Day in 2009 included making clay figurines at Wellington City Libraries and a Fijian night - Luvei Viti (Children of Fiji) at Keith Spry Pool.
History
The United Nations selected 21 March to symbolise the need to end racism in response to the fatal shootings of 70 anti-apartheid demonstrators at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, on 21 March 1960.
Identifying a day specifically for this purpose reflected the UN's concern to heighten awareness of the harmful effects of racism and emphasise the importance of demonstrating a commitment to fostering respect, equality and diversity.
In New Zealand Race Relations Day is promoted by the Human Rights Commission in recognition of the United Nations day.
Related Links
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