Although past civil rights movements and decades of activism have led to important gains in legal, political, social and educational sectors around the world, many marginalised groups still face deep seated systemic racism and inequalities woven into the fabric of their communities.

These include limited access to quality education, health services, housing and social security and a low degree of political participation. In addition, people facing racial injustices can suffer from multiple forms of discrimination and violation of their human rights based on age, sex, language, religion, political opinion, social origin, property, disability, birth, or other status.

Tensions reached a boiling point in May last year, as the killing of George Floyd by a white police officer in the United States ignited public outrage around the world. For many, Floyd’s death marked the culmination of centuries of racial injustice at a time when COVID-19 was laying bare vast systemic inequalities and hitting black and minority communities at disproportionate rates. In response, many faith communities around the world have joined movements calling for equality, human rights and dignity.

Ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, KACIID will host renowned speakers including: Uzair Ben Ebrahim, social justice advocate, performance poet and writer; Dr. Ganoune Diop, Director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Maryland; Dr. Leah Gunning Francis, author of Ferguson and Faith: Sparking Leadership and Awakening Community; and Masud Olufani, actor, mixed media artist, writer and regular speaker on racial justice.

Speakers will discuss the importance of faith in upholding human rights and what role religious institutions can play in combatting racial discrimination. Speakers will also offer guidance on how interreligious dialogue and collaboration between faith groups can provide joint solutions to injustice.