On this day in 1960, 69 people were killed for participating in a peaceful demonstration against the Apartheid laws in South Africa. These laws discriminated against non-white South African citizens, and enforced racial segregation. South Africa is just one of many examples where people have been, and continue to be, discriminated against because of their race or ethnicity.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination recognises the struggle many peoples have had to endure against racial discrimination, and promotes racial harmony through education, tolerance and acceptance. In Australia, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is known as Harmony Day. On this day, we celebrate multicultural Australia, and the integration of migrants from all over the world into the Australian community. Harmony Day is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values.