What is UN Anti-Racism Day and when are protests taking place across UK cities?

People across the UK will be taking to the streets on March 19 and 20 in a series of anti-racism protests.

Demonstrations will be taking place in London, Glasgow and Cardiff, as well as globally, to mark UN Anti-Racism Day.

What is UN Anti-Racism Day?

Also known as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, UN Anti-Racism Day is observed annually on 21 March.

On that day in 1960, police opened fire at peaceful demonstrators in Sharpeville, South Africa, who were protesting against racist apartheid “pass laws”. Sixty-nine people were killed, and 180 were injured.

Proclaiming the day in 1966, the United Nations General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.

World Against Racism, the group organising the 2022 protests, said: "This is our chance to take to the streets, rally all the anti-racist forces against this racist offensive and send a powerful message that the anti-racist majority demands to be heard.

“We say refugees and migrants welcome, Black Lives Matter, no to racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism and fascism".

When and where are protests taking place in the UK?

Protests will be taking place across three UK cities:

• Glasgow, assembling at 11.00am on 19 March, Kelvingrove Park, G3 6BY

• London, assembling at 12.00pm on 19 March, BBC Portland Place, W1A 1AA

• Cardiff, assembling at 12:00pm on 20 March, City Hall, Cardiff, CF10 3ND

Organisers are monitoring the Covid situation and safety guidelines will be announced.