Race Relations Day

Race Relations Day concert dancers

Race Relations Day falls on 21 March each year. 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.

The theme for Race Relations Day 2011 is 'People Living in Harmony'.

Events & Celebrations

Each year Wellington City Council acknowledges and celebrates the cultural diversity of its workforce on Race Relations Day by organising events within the Council as well as supporting other public events around the city.

Celebrations of Race Relations Day include events such as the South-East Asian Night Market, the Culture Kicks football festival and Wellington City Libraries' popular Earth People programme.

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.

Race Relations Day

Events & Celebrations

History

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