About Treaty Bodies
On December 21, 1965, through Resolution 2106 (XX) the United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), marking a pivotal moment in the global fight against racism. This Convention was the first of the UN core international human rights treaties and remains the foundation of efforts to eliminate racial discrimination worldwide.
ICERD commits countries to take immediate and effective action to end all forms of racial discrimination, as well as to eradicate racist ideas and practices. The goal is to promote understanding between races and build a global community free from racial segregation and discrimination.
The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), established by ICERD, was the first treaty body created to monitor countries’ commitment to human rights. Its work set a precedent for similar human rights committees that followed.
As we approach the 60th anniversary of ICERD in 2025, it’s a perfect time to acknowledge how far we’ve come and to remind ourselves of its continuing importance in shaping human rights law. The anniversary gives us a chance to reflect on the progress made in fighting racial discrimination, segregation, and inequality, and to highlight how much more is needed today. We’re also reminded of the ongoing challenges that racial discrimination presents in many parts of the world, and the importance of working together to find new, effective ways to effectively fight these issues.
To mark the 60th anniversary, the Committee is working in collaboration with partners, including the UN anti-racism mechanisms and the mechanisms working on the rights of Indigenous Peoples and minorities, on a campaign to highlight the foundational importance of the Convention and to stimulate discussions on effective and innovative practices to address structural and emerging challenges in preventing and combatting racial discrimination. The Committee encourages States parties, civil society organizations, national human rights institutions and equality bodies, international and regional organizations, academia, and private sector actors to contribute to the commemoration of the 60th anniversary through events, activities, publications and other initiatives.
The 60th anniversary is an opportunity to renew our commitment to a world where everyone is treated equally, without distinction of any kind such as race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin. Let’s continue working together to make this vision a reality for all.
ICERD explained
ICERD is binding! And defines racial discrimination as:
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Any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.
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Article 1, ICERD
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Zy7W4LGzTXo%3Fsi%3Di6HSVpgZhDHYGXaB%26enablejsapi%3D1%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.ohchr.org
Events
4 DECEMBER 2025
Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms Racial of Discrimination – TBD
27 MARCH 2025
Commemorative Panel Discussion, 58th session of the Human Rights Council, Geneva (UN Web TV)
21 MARCH 2025
Commemorative Plenary Meeting, General Assembly, New York (UN Web TV)
