How city will mark UN Anti-Racism Day

PLANS have been announced for how people across Derbyshire can commemorate UN Anti-Racism Day this weekend.

Officially titled The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the event takes place in cities across the world on Sunday.

In Derby, residents have been urged by Derby Stand Up to Racism to show their support by taking part in virtual events. A socially distanced photo shoot will also take place in Osnabruck Square

Supporters can post a “selfie” on their social media with the hash tag# World Against Racism.

Performances from local bands and performers will also be broadcast live throughout the day on the Derby Stand up to Racism Facebook page.

From 11am to 12.45pm, residents can take a banner to Osnabruck Square for socially distanced photo shoot.

Those attending will need to email derbysutr@gmail.com beforehand or message its Facebook page. Mask wearing will be mandatory and no more than two people are permitted per banner.

At 1pm until 2pm, supporters will be asked to take a knee wherever they are and post on Twitter using the #TakeTheKnee hashtag and #WorldAgainstRacism

The Derby Sound community radio station will broadcast a special anti-racism show from 2pm to 4pm and at 5pm an International Rally will be shown on the Derby Stand Up to Racism Facebook page.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960.

In 1979, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a programme of activities to be undertaken during the second half of the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination. The General Assembly decided that a week of solidarity with the peoples struggling against racism and racial discrimination, beginning on 21 March, would be organised annually in member nations.