Africa-Press – Uganda. The Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Winnie Byanyima, has issued a strong call for global action against racism, emphasizing its ongoing impact on health inequalities and the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Byanyima took to X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday to highlight the urgent need to confront systemic discrimination worldwide.
“Today, we commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination — a stark reminder that racism continues to harm people across the globe,” she said.
Byanyima underscored that racial inequality remains a critical obstacle in ending the AIDS epidemic.
“Racial inequalities remain a major barrier to ending AIDS. Systemic racism shapes access to healthcare, prevention, treatment, and support services, disproportionately affecting racial and ethnic minorities,” she said.
“To end AIDS, we must end these injustices. Let us use this day to reaffirm our commitment to a world free from racism. An equal future is possible — if together we all #FightRacism and #StandUp4HumanRights.”
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March.
The day commemorates the tragic Sharpeville Massacre, when police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire on a peaceful protest against apartheid pass laws, killing dozens of people.
Established by the United Nations General Assembly, the observance aims to raise awareness and mobilize international efforts to combat racism and racial discrimination.
It reflects decades of global progress, including the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa and strengthened commitments to equality and non-discrimination.
These principles are firmly enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which continues to guide international human rights frameworks and advocacy.
