The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has renewed its call for an end to racial discrimination, urging stronger national commitment to equality, justice, and social cohesion as the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21.
In a message marking the occasion, the Union reflected on the historical significance of the day, which commemorates the killing of 69 peaceful demonstrators by police in Sharpeville, South Africa in 1960. The protest had been staged against apartheid pass laws that restricted the movement of Black South Africans and enforced a system of racial segregation and economic control.
The GPSU noted that under apartheid, families were separated, job opportunities were restricted, and Black Africans were subjected to oppressive practices solely based on their ethnicity, as they fought for the fundamental right to freedom and equal access to services.
Drawing parallels to the present, the Union stressed that despite the repeal of apartheid laws in 1986, racial discrimination continues to manifest globally and within modern systems, including employment practices, economic distribution, and political structures.
“As we recognise this day in remembrance of this atrocity, the call to combat racism is a cry to respect humanity and the human rights of all, regardless of ethnicity, social and economic backgrounds as well as political affiliation,” the GPSU stated.
The Union, through its Race Relations Committee, reiterated its position that racial discrimination, segregation, inequality, and economic injustice must be actively dismantled. It also emphasized the importance of fostering social cohesion and reconciliation as critical steps toward building trust, unity, and sustainable peace among all ethnic groups.
Highlighting the need for collective responsibility, the GPSU stressed that respect and tolerance must transcend race, class, and political differences, noting that “all humans are born equal” and must be part of efforts to promote racial justice and protect human rights.
The Union’s message serves as both a commemoration and a call to action, urging Guyanese society to confront structural inequalities and work toward a more inclusive and equitable future.
See release below:
Guyana Public Service Union
Message: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination – March 21.
March 21 is recognized as a day to redouble strategies and commitments with an honest pledge to end all forms of racial discrimination around us. This day has been set aside in commemoration of 69 peaceful demonstrators who were killed by police in Sharpeville, South Africa demonstration of 1960.
This demonstration was against the apartheid pass law which was to restrict the movement of Black South Africans, a system implemented for racial segregation and economic control. Their main focus was to enjoy the simple and basic right to be free and to access services and opportunities similar to other races.
Under this system families were often separated and jobs were limited, and there was a system of racial hierarchy and oppressive practices and tactics meted out to Black Africans, just because of their ethnicity.
As we recognize this day in remembrance of this atrocity, the call to combat racism is a cry to respect humanity and the human rights of all, regardless of ethnicity, social and economic backgrounds as well as political affiliation.
Despite the repealing of the ‘apartheid pass law’ in 1986, racial discrimination continues, and is present in employment practices, economic distribution and political systems.
On this occasion the Guyana Public Service Union, in accordance with its Race Relations Committee’s policy reiterates the call for an end to racial discrimination and its corresponding practices of segregation, inequalities and economic injustices. The Committee calls for social cohesion and reconciliation, which are essential to building trust, unity and sustainable peace for all ethnic groups. There must be respect and tolerance for each other, irrespective of race, social, economic and political affiliation. All humans are born equal and therefore all have to be involved in dismantling structural inequalities and in the promotion of racial justice and human rights of everyone.
March 21, 2026.
