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Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, a day that serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle against racial discrimination and the urgent need for action. After World War II, in response to the Holocaust, as well as to decolonisation in Africa and Asia, the international community came together to pass the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in 1965.

This convention conceived the elimination of racial discrimination within the global human rights framework, mandating states to establish legal protections and provisions against racial discrimination. The treaty defines discrimination as having the ‘purpose or effect of nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedom’ (Article 1).

Importantly, the treaty extends beyond formal or constitutional rights, emphasising the obligation of  states  to ensure equal protection and access to essentials such as to health, housing, employment and education. The treaty enjoins states to provide substantive equality and underscores the necessity of taking  ‘special and concrete measures to ensure the adequate development and protection of certain racial groups or individuals belonging to them’ (Article 2(2)).

At its core, the treaty recognises that human rights cannot exist solely as abstract principles; they must be actively implemented and realised in practice. This understanding lies at the heart of TASO’s work to address inequalities in higher education. While we and many others are committed to the principle of racial equality, we need to ensure that policies and practice are implemented to actually achieve it. Addressing this challenge has been the focus of our recent work on tackling the ethnicity degree awarding gap in higher education.

On this day we recognise and honour the countless victims of racist ideologies throughout history and present day. We are reminded that, due to the persistent scourge of racial discrimination, the universal ideals of humanity and equality remain a distant reality for millions of people worldwide. It is a day to reflect on the need to uphold the principle of racial justice and the necessity for a legal framework and international consensus on tackling racism wherever it rears its head. We need to redouble our efforts to tackle racial discrimination and ensure everyone can thrive and succeed in higher education and society at large.