What is the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination?
Q: What is the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination?
A: The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination is an international treaty that works to prevent racism and racial segregation. It was adopted by the United Nations in 1965 in response to South Africa's apartheid policy at that time.
Q: How many countries have agreed to follow this convention?
A: As of April 2019, 88 countries have agreed to follow the rules of this Convention, and 190 countries agree in principle.
Q: What does Article 1 say about racial discrimination?
A: Article 1 defines racial discrimination as 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 recognition, enjoyment or exercise on an equal footing of human rights and fundamental freedoms in political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.
Q: What does Article 4 forbid?
A: Article 4 forbids encouraging any type of racism including hate speech and discrimination. If a country agrees to this Convention they must make hate speech and participation in hate groups illegal.
Q: How can complaints be heard by a committee?
A: Article 14 gives people from any country who have suffered from discrimination because their race the right to submit a claim to a committee at the United Nations. These complaints can influence law in those countries making complaints.
Q: When did this convention come into effect?
A: This convention came into effect on 4 January 1969.
