International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
What is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination?
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination originates in South Africa. It commemorates the anniversary of 69 peaceful protestors being tragically murdered by police in Sharpeville on 21st March 1960 for opposing Apartheid laws. This day is marked by 88 countries worldwide.
What is racial discrimination?
The definition of racial discrimination is outlined in the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, part 1, article 1, and was adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on 1st December 1965. Racial discrimination is defined as “any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.”
Essentially, racism means using the concept of race to judge or treat some people worse than others. It exists in many forms, and on many levels in society – including in healthcare. It can include acts of discrimination and prejudice towards individuals and groups. It can also describe wider systems of oppression.
Why is it important to mark this day?
In 1966, the UN brought about the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to help stop racial discrimination. The day focuses on actions and activities to bring to awareness and create solutions for individuals most affected by racial discrimination.
Whilst the racist apartheid laws in South Africa were abolished in 1991, and a lot of explicitly racist legislation in other nations was also abolished by this point, there is still a long way to go to ensure that racial discrimination is a thing of the past.
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is a crucially important opportunity to remind us of the work that still needs to be done.
How can racism impact your mental health?
For those of us who are disadvantaged and harmed by racism, this can feel stressful and upsetting to explain to those who are not. You shouldn’t have to.
Experiencing racism can make us more likely to develop mental ill health. It can also lead to internalised racism, internalised colourism, and racial trauma. Our experiences of racism are also personal to each one of us. And they intersect with many other factors.
Where can I seek support?
As an organisation that prioritises the mental health and wellbeing of all, Bath Mind are determined to create meaningful and lasting equitable change across our charity.
It is important for us that not only we support people across Bath and North East Somerset, but that our staff and volunteers are supported too.
We have an active EDIE Network which is a place for co-production, allyship, and learning. Any members of staff or volunteer can join and meaningfully contribute to the equity work at Bath Mind. We also have a group for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) to have a safe and peer supported space for connecting with each other.
To find out more about Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity work at Bath Mind, please view our EDIE webpage or email edie@bathmind.org.uk.
Mental Health Support for Black Communities
- Aashna provide a list of therapists working to recognise the ways in which culture, faith, religion, colour, social background, sexuality, gender and neurodiversity affect people’s experiences.
- African Rainbow Family. provide support for LGBTQ+ people seeking asylum and refugees of Black, African and Caribbean heritage in the UK.
- BAATN provide a list of therapists from Black, African and Asian backgrounds, and signposts to local mental health and advocacy services.
- BEMSCA provide connection and support for Black Ethnic Minority Senior Citizens across Bath and North East Somerset.
- Black Minds Matter UK connect Black individuals and families with free 121 talking therapy delivered by qualified and accredited Black therapists
- BLAM offer mental health support to people from Black British communities, including racial wellness workshops. Works to embed Black British cultural heritage and African and Caribbean histories into teaching.
- Boloh Helpline is a helpline and web chat for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic children, young people, parents or carers affected by the pandemic. Offers emotional support and practical advice. Call 0800 151 2605.
- Rethink Mental Illness provide support and information for anyone affected by mental health problems, including local support groups. Call 0300 5000 927.
Campaigning Organisations
These organisations campaign against racism and some offer ways to get involved and have your say.
- Black Lives Matter UK is an anti-racist organisation fighting to end structural racism.
- Black Thrive work to address and challenge the structural barriers that prevent Black people from thriving.
- Race on the Agenda (ROTA) work with communities impacted by systemic racism, to create policies and practice that tackle inequality.
- Runnymede Trust challenge race inequality in Britain through research, network building, leading debate and policy engagement.
- Show Racism the Red Card is an anti-racism education charity delivering educational workshops to young people and adults.
- Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation work to create a more equal and inclusive society, and to create education and career opportunities for young people.
- Stop Hate UK offer independent reporting and support for victims and witnesses of hate crimes. Visit their website to see if your area is covered and find links to other reporting options.
- The Motherhood Group support Black mothers through delivering community-based events, training workshops, peer-to-peer support, national campaigns and culturally sensitive programmes.
Facts and Figures About Racial Disparities in Mental Health Support
- Despite higher prevalence, Black adults have the lowest mental health treatment rate of any ethnic group, at 6% (compared to 13% in the White British group).
- Evidence suggests that people from Black Asian and Minority Ethnic communities are at higher risk of developing a mental health problem in adulthood. But they’re less likely to receive support for their mental health.
- Black men are more likely to experience symptoms of psychosis than other ethnic groups (3.2% compared to 0.3% of White men and 1.3% of Asian men – using combined 2007 and 2014 data.) There is no significant variation by ethnic group among women.
- 8% of Black or Black British adults have symptoms relating to post-traumatic stress disorder compared with 4% of their White British counterparts.
- A disproportionate number of people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities are detained under the Mental Health Act. Rates of detention for Black or Black British groups are over 4 times those of White groups. Community Treatment Orders for Black or Black British groups are over 10 times those of White groups.
- Black people are more than 4 times more likely to be the subject of ‘restrictive interventions’ such as being restrained or held in isolation while in hospital.
- Black and Black British women are more likely to experience a common mental health problem (29%) compared to White British women (21%) and non-British White women (16%).
Sources
Posted on: 20th March 2025