The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March. The date was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1966 to call for concerted efforts to eliminate racism, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination. It is a reminder of equality, justice and respect for human rights. In honor of this, the Odessa city authorities organized a festival in the central park of culture and recreation named after Taras Shevchenko.