A nation united in its diversity
21 September 2022
Today, we honour International Day of Peace and commemorate the 30th anniversary of the UN Declaration on Minority Rights - a significant date on the FW de Klerk Foundation's calendar. It is also apt that later this week, we will celebrate Heritage Day and with it, the cultural diversity of South Africa's people.
In 1981, the UN General Assembly declared the 21st of September as an annual day dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace by observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire globally. However, lasting peace depends very much on building societies in which every member is treated fairly and equally. Especially minorities need assurance that their right to practise their own culture, religion and language - in private as well as in public - is protected and promoted by law.
To mark the adoption of the Declaration on the 18th of December 1992, the UN General Assembly will today hold a high-level meeting with heads of state in New York. The UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious, and Linguistic Minorities, sets essential standards to ensure the rights of persons belonging to minorities. It also offers guidance to States as they seek to manage diversity and ensure non-discrimination, and for minorities themselves, as they strive to achieve equality and participation.