International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD)

• Adopted: 21 December 1965 by the UN General Assembly.
• Entered into force: 4 January 1969.
• Nature: A legally binding international human-rights treaty for States Parties.
• Objective: To eliminate racial discrimination and promote equality among all races.
• Definition: Racial discrimination includes distinctions, exclusions, restrictions or preferences based on race, colour, descent, or national/ethnic origin that impair equal enjoyment of human rights.
• State obligation: States Parties must pursue policies to eliminate racial discrimination and ensure equality before law.
• CERD: Implementation is monitored by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD).
• CERD Composition: 18 independent experts.
• Individual complaints: The Convention allows individuals/groups to submit communications to CERD if the concerned State has recognised the Committee’s competence under Article 14.
• India: India is a party to ICERD.

Key Articles for UPSC

• Article 1: Definition of racial discrimination.
• Article 2: States must condemn and eliminate racial discrimination.
• Article 4: Measures against racist propaganda and organisations.
• Article 5: Equality in enjoyment of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.
• Article 6: Effective protection and remedies against racial discrimination.
• Article 7: Education, culture and information to combat racial prejudice.

UPSC Prelims Question

Q. With reference to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), consider the following statements:

1. It was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1965.
2. Its implementation is monitored by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
3. It is a legally binding international human-rights treaty for its States Parties.
4. CERD is composed of representatives nominated by States rather than independent experts.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation: ICERD was adopted in 1965 and is a legally binding treaty for States Parties. Its implementation is monitored by CERD, which consists of 18 independent experts. Hence, Statement 4 is incorrect.