Kenya joins the rest of the world today, September 21, to commemorate the International Day of Peace.
This annual event aims at establishing peace among different nations.
The day was established by United General Assembly in 1981. This year's theme is 'End racism. Build Peace'.
It is disturbing to still record cases of racism in Kenya and globally.
Racism continues to poison institutions, social structures and everyday life in society.
Despite laws and policies that discourage racism in Kenya and the rest of the world, racial discrimination exists.
Racism is among the top causes of conflict, denying nations peace and harmony.
Although World War 2 ended many decades ago, there has been an ongoing threat of war throughout the world.
Many countries face conflicts daily.
It should be well understood that racism harms not just the lives of those who endure it, but also society.
We all live in a society characterised by discrimination, division, distrust, intolerance and hate, and this largely undermines peace.
Everyone should be treated equally regardless of their race. That is the Kenya we want today and in future.
War is never a solution to resolve any conflict but it only increases hatred.
Tackling racism is a crucial way of keeping peace.
Its existence has resulted in conflicts in some states, forcing people to flee to 'safe' countries.
Racism is a global concern and tackling it requires a lot of universal effort.
It's important to join hands and curb this worrying trend of racial prejudice and racism, which is a violation of human rights.
The United Nations General assembly is aware that racist laws and practices have been abolished in many countries.
When a country engages in racism, it undermines national unity.
There will be an unfair distribution of resources to the public.
In politics, there is also racism when one decides to choose a leader not because he/she is the best leader but because the fellow comes from a voter ethnic group.
This would create conflict.
In Kenya, the 2007-08 post-election violence led to the loss of lives, displacement and loss of property.
Racism fuelled the violence.
Countries that abolished racial laws and practices should rethink and come up with laws that protect victims of racial prejudice and that discourage all forms of racial discrimination.
Violation of human rights should be punishable.
If we cannot fight discrimination, we might not end it. This is the best time to fight it.
Let's utilise this day and advocate fairness so that we can keep the peace.
Fighting racism that curtails peacekeeping is everyone's fight, not the government or relevant authorities.
We all have a part to play in building a world beyond racism.
Every country wants to remain peaceful and live in harmony.
Therefore we should face the reality and keep the peace by tackling racism.
Mahatma Gandhi said, "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind".
So instead of fighting, we should try to resolve the conflicts and promote peace and harmony in the world.
Student at Rongo University.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
