21 March marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD).
Across the world, too many individuals, communities and societies still suffer from the injustice and stigma that racism brings. IDERD is a day for us to pause and reflect on the impacts of racism and to consider if we need to educate ourselves about how to be anti-racist.
The theme for IDERD 2025 is the ‘60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms Racial of Discrimination (ICERD)’. The ICERD was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 21 December 1965, marking a groundbreaking step in the global effort to eradicate racism.
Learn, Speak Up, Act!
Learn, Speak up, Act! is a global call for concrete action against racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. The challenges posed by these problems are not new, neither are their solutions. What is needed is action by all of us.
As uni students, there are many ways you can learn, speak up and act to promote equality this IDERD. Here are some ideas for how you can get involved:
Learn: Build your knowledge
- Complete a Cultural Awareness course – Curtin offers online modules like Dandjoo Kaadadjiny or Noongar Language and Culture to help students understand Indigenous perspectives. You can also take free courses on race, equality and social justice through platforms like Coursera or edX.
- Read about different experiences – Books like They Cannot Take the Sky (stories from refugees), The Hate Race by Maxine Beneba Clarke, Noongar Mambara Bakitj, or Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe provide powerful insights into migrant, refuge and Indigenous experiences in Australia.
- Explore cultures through food – Try cuisines from different backgrounds at restaurants in Perth or Kalgoorlie. You could also organise a cultural potluck with friends, where everyone brings a dish from their country.
- Visit multicultural centres in WA – If you’re in Perth, check out the WA Museum Boola Bardip for exhibits on migration history, or explore cultural hubs like Northbridge’s Chinatown.
Speak up: Raise awareness and advocate
- Challenge discrimination in everyday conversations – If you witness discrimination or micro-aggression on campus, in student housing, or during industry placements, don’t stay silent. Speaking up can help create a more inclusive environment.
- Engage in cross-cultural conversations – In class discussions or group projects, take the time to learn from international students about their cultural perspectives and share your own.
- Challenge stereotypes and racist jokes – If someone makes a discriminatory comment about a cultural group, call it out and help them understand why it’s harmful.
- Write for Grok Magazine – Share your thoughts on racial discrimination, cultural diversity or your personal experiences by submitting an article to Curtin Student Guild’s student publication.
Act: Take actionable, meaningful steps
- Support Indigenous and minority-owned businesses – Shop at and promote businesses owned by Indigenous Australians and other minority communities to show your support.
- Join a multicultural student club or society – Connect with Curtin International Students Committee (ISC) or other cultural groups, even if you’re studying at Curtin Kalgoorlie.
- Attend a Cultural Festival at Curtin – Participate in NAIDOC Week, Harmony Week, Pasar Malam and other multicultural celebrations organised by Curtin or the Curtin Student Guild.
- Join a Cultural Exchange program – Experience life in another country through Curtin’s study abroad or exchange programs to gain a global perspective.
This IDERD, we encourage all staff and students in the Curtin community to reaffirm our commitment to the Curtin values and continue our efforts to eliminate racism. We also encourage you to read the Curtin Code of Conduct and the Student Charter.
IDERD is more than just a day of reflection—it’s a reminder that we can all contribute to a more inclusive and respectful society. Whether you choose to learn, speak up, or take action, every effort helps in eliminating racial discrimination and embracing diversity.
Find out more about IDERD at:
