Action Week Against Racism

Every year in March, Sierre plays an active part in this cantonal event with a dedicated programme.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is celebrated every year on 21 March to commemorate the day in 1960 when, in Sharpeville (South Africa), police opened fire and killed 69 people during a peaceful demonstration against apartheid. By proclaiming 21 March International Day in 1966, the United Nations General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.

The Canton of Valais, together with the towns of Sierre, Sion, Martigny, Bagnes, Monthey and Haut-Valais, launched the first Valais Anti-Racism Week in 2010. Its popular success has led to it being repeated every year, with different themes.

Each year, this week of action provides a special opportunity for reflection, exchange and awareness-raising. It also serves as a reminder that respect for human rights and the fight against racism and discrimination remain key issues in today's society.

For the 14th year running, the delegates from the cities and regions concerned are organising an action week against racism and discrimination from 21 to 28 March.

As it does every year, this week of action is an opportunity for reflection, exchange and awareness-raising. It serves as a reminder that respect for human rights and the fight against racism and discrimination remain key issues in today's society.

When we think of racism, we tend to think of extreme or violent acts, of abusive language. But it is often ordinary racism that occurs on a daily basis, in a wide variety of situations. And this racism is more pernicious because the people who display it are unaware of it. For some, these are just harmless remarks, but in reality they are microaggressions, experienced on a daily basis by the people who are subjected to it. This can lead to anxiety, depression and other traumas.

In line with the vision initiated in 2023 with the collection of testimonies at cantonal level, the aim of this Action Week 2024 is to raise awareness and sensitise the population of Valais to the different forms of racism experienced on a daily basis by certain segments of the population. A report will be drawn up based on these testimonies.