Since 1966, March 21 has been recognized by the United Nations as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Canada was one of the first countries to support the UN declaration and, in 1989, the Department of Canadian Heritage launched its annual March 21 Campaign.

The March 21 Campaign was initiated in response to the need to heighten awareness of the harmful effects of racism on a national scale and to demonstrate clearly the commitment and leadership of the federal government to foster respect, equality and diversity. For more than 15 years, the March 21 Campaign has mobilized youth across Canada to rise up and to take a stand against racism. Through their participation in the campaign, Canadian youth have spoken loudly and eloquently to say that there is no place for racism in their lives!

Every year, to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, numerous activities aiming to raise public awareness on the issue of racism take place across Canada. The Racism. Stop It! National Video Competition is one of the means by which the federal government leads the fight against racism and mobilizes thousands of youth across Canada to rise up and take a stand against racism.

The Racism. Stop It! National Video Competition is a major component of the March 21 Campaign. Across the country, youth rise to the challenge of this annual program. They create the scenario, write the script, direct, shoot and edit a one-minute video story that expresses their feelings about racism. You can view last year's winning videos in MP3 format on the Canadian Heritage Web site.

Youth are the heart and soul of the annual March 21 Campaign. They have the energy, commitment and creativity to advance the struggle against racism. They are the voice of the present and the future. They are among the most exposed to racism in their schools and on the streets. The March 21 Campaign engages youth to transcend the boundaries of race, ethnicity and religion and to embrace diversity.