Throughout history, many of the horrible things that people have done to each other have occurred because one group of people felt superior to another. They learned to see differences in others -- such as race, color, gender, age, disability, religious belief or sexual orientation -- as a reason for thinking that people with that characteristic were not worthy of the same rights as they were. This prejudice justified their decision to discriminate against the other group - the other group was humiliated, excluded, restricted or marginalized because of these perceived differences.

When the United Nations was formed to help countries work together to create a more peaceful, just and sustainable world, a cornerstone of its Charter declared that all people are entitled to the same human rights and freedom, regardless of their color, sex, language or religion. Our global community has come a long way in helping to eliminate discrimination, but we still have far to go.

End Racism Day, officially known as The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, is a perfect opportunity to help our communities celebrate human unity and the diversity of the human race rather than allow our differences to become an excuse for racial separation. It's a chance to recognize prejudice, stereotypes and discrimination in our society, and how each of us may have our own prejudices and may be making people feel excluded without our even realizing it. It's a chance to reaffirm our commitment to eliminate all forms of discrimination and help create communities and societies where all citizens can live in dignity, equality and peace.