This 2025 we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).
On December 21, 1965, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) through Resolution 2106 (XX), marking a global effort to eradicate racism. As the first of the UN’s core international human rights treaties, ICERD laid the groundwork for future human rights advances. Its commitment to the elimination of racial discrimination and the promotion of equality sustains the ongoing struggle against racist ideas and practices in all areas, with the aim of fostering global understanding and unity, free of racial segregation.
The United Nations General Assembly reiterates that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and have the potential to contribute constructively to the development and well-being of their societies. In its most recent resolution, the General Assembly also emphasized that any doctrine of racial superiority is scientifically false, morally condemnable, socially unjust and dangerous and must be rejected, along with theories that attempt to determine the existence of separate human races.
This International Day against Racial Discrimination invites us to reflect on the progress achieved in the fight against discrimination in all its forms, while at the same time it is setting new challenges for today. It is a time to reaffirm our commitment to equality and to continue our efforts to eliminate racism by ensuring equal treatment for all people.
At VAHG, we are committed to foster an environment where differences are respected and all voices are heard, where every member of our Firm feels valued, listened and respected. Each of us has a moral responsibility to be an ally and to act against any act of discrimination by fostering an inclusive environment, free of prejudice and discrimination.
Commitment to racial equity is not only a moral responsibility, but also an opportunity to strengthen human capital and promoting innovation within our Firm. Recognizing, valuing and advocating diversity in our teams is key to building fairer, more productive and resilient work environments.