Today, 21 March, is Eliminate Racial Discrimination Day. The United Nations’ (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed with a series of events and activities worldwide on March 21 each year. The day aims to remind people of racial discrimination’s negative consequences. It also encourages people to remember their obligation and determination to combat racial discrimination.
Racial discrimination is an unpleasant activity that can take many forms.
Direct discrimination
This occurs when someone is treated less favourably because of racial reasons. colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin. eg racist abuse or excluding someone because of their race or colour etc.
Indirect discrimination
This occurs when someone is treated less favourably because of criteria that is imposed in relation to race/colour/nationality that can not be objectively justified eg a shop that insists on female workers wear a skirt and overall. Muslim women must cover their legs and can not comply with such a condition.
Harassment
A person harasses another on grounds of race or ethnic or national origins when he or she engages in unwanted conduct that has the purpose or effect of violating the other person’s dignity or creating an intimidating/hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
Victimisation
This occurs with unfair treatment of an employee who has made a complaint of race discrimination.
In the UK all of the above are unlawful in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. Employers should have an equal opportunities policy in place, training for managers and employees and monitoring processes to ensure compliance.
Employees who feel they have been discriminated against may complain in an employment tribunal.