Reaffirming and strengthening our global commitment to eliminate racial discrimination, racism, xenophobia and related intolerance.

 

In this extremely challenging context, the 60th anniversary of ICERD offers A timely opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen global commitment to eliminate racial discrimination, racism, xenophobia and related intolerance through the full and effective implementation of the Convention. It also provides space to enhance constructive engagement with the UN human rights framework, including CERD and other mechanisms dedicated to combating racial discrimination. The High-level event will underscore CERD’s pivotal role in advancing the implementation of the Convention and shaping the international human rights framework through its monitoring procedures, jurisprudence and guidance to States parties. It will also recognize the vital contributions of regional organizations, national human rights institutions, civil society, grassroots organizations, human rights defenders and other stakeholders In promoting the objectives of the Convention, and in combating racial discrimination over the past six decades. Building on these achievements, the event will provide an opportunity to reflect on how past progress and experiences can inform current and future efforts to address both persistent and emerging challenges, including the legacies of slavery and colonialism, the resurgence of racist hate speech and xenophobic discourse, the adverse impact of new digital technologies, and the consequences of environmental degradation and climate change on communities most exposed to racial discrimination. Looking ahead, the event will serve as an occasion to reaffirm the continued relevance of ICERD andChart a forward-looking vision to strengthen States compliance with and implementation of the Convention. 

Date and venue 

The High-level Commemorative Event will take place at Palais Wilson in Geneva, Rue des Pâquis 52, 1201 Genève, Ground Floor Conference Room, on Thursday 4 December 2025. For further details, see agenda below and ICERD60 webpage. Participation and Registration CERD invites States Parties to the ICERD and UN Member States, UN entities and specialized agencies, other human rights mechanisms, international and regional intergovernmental organizations, national human rights institutions, civil society and grassroots organizations, academia, individual experts, and other relevant stakeholders to participate in the High-level event. Please note that participation will be in person only. Remote or hybrid modalities will not be available. However, members of the public may follow the proceedings live via UN Web TV: https://webtv.un.org.

To attend in person, each participant must register individually by creating an account on Indico for the Commemorative Event of the 60th Anniversary of ICERD. Please use a unique email address and upload a clear, front-facing photo without glasses. Once your registration is approved, you will receive a digital badge via email. Please download the badge and either print it or save a screenshot on your mobile device to present upon arrival. Kindly complete your registration by 20 November 2025. For any technical issues or questions, feel free to contact CERD Secretariat at ohchr-cerd@un.org. Kindly note that OHCHR does not issue invitation letters for visa purposes. All participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and visa arrangements. If a visa is required to enter Switzerland, we strongly recommend applying well in advance to avoid any delay