Definition of racism

The ICERD (International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination) defines racism as follows:

"Any distinction, exclusion, restriction, or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment, or exercise, on equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, or any other field of public life."

The International Council on Human Rights Policy (IHCRP) argues: "racism has not disappeared… we confront forms of racism that are covert or more complex or are linked to wider issues, such as changes in the nature of the state, gender discrimination, or marginalisation due to developments in the global economy." http://www.sahrc.org.za/definition_of_racism.htm