International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
Adopted and opened for signature and ratification by General Assembly resolution 2106
(XX) of 21 December 1965
entry into force 4 January 1969, in accordance with Article 19
The States Parties to this Convention,
Considering that the Charter of the United Nations is based on the principles of the dignity and equality
inherent in all human beings, and that all Member States have pledged themselves to take joint and
separate action, in co-operation with the Organization, for the achievement of one of the purposes of
the United Nations which is to promote and encourage universal respect for and observance of human
rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion,
Considering that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims that all human beings are born
free and equal in dignity and rights and that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set out
therein, without distinction of any kind, in particular as to race, colour or national origin,
Considering that all human beings are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection of the
law against any discrimination and against any incitement to discrimination,
Considering that the United Nations has condemned colonialism and all practices of segregation and
discrimination associated therewith, in whatever form and wherever they exist, and that the
Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples of 14 December 1960
(General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV)) has affirmed and solemnly proclaimed the necessity of
bringing them to a speedy and unconditional end,
Considering that the United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
of 20 November 1963 (General Assembly resolution 1904 (XVIII)) solemnly affirms the necessity of
speedily eliminating racial discrimination throughout the world in all its forms and manifestations and
of securing understanding of and respect for the dignity of the human person,
Convinced that any doctrine of superiority based on racial differentiation is scientifically false, morally
condemnable, socially unjust and dangerous, and that there is no justification for racial discrimination,
in theory or in practice, anywhere,
Reaffirming that discrimination between human beings on the grounds of race, colour or ethnic origin
is an obstacle to friendly and peaceful relations among nations and is capable of disturbing peace and
security among peoples and the harmony of persons living side by side even within one and the same
State,
Convinced that the existence of racial barriers is repugnant to the ideals of any human society,
Alarmed by manifestations of racial discrimination still in evidence in some areas of the world and by
governmental policies based on racial superiority or hatred, such as policies of apartheid, segregation
or separation,
Resolved to adopt all necessary measures for speedily eliminating racial discrimination in all its forms
and manifestations, and to prevent and combat racist doctrines and practices in order to promote
understanding between races and to build an international community free from all forms of racial
segregation and racial discrimination,
Bearing in mind the Convention concerning Discrimination in respect of Employment and Occupation
adopted by the International Labour Organisation in 1958, and the Convention against Discrimination
in Education adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 1960,