21/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Ashton calls on all states to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. On Wednesday 21 March, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton urged “all states to ratify and implement the Convention (on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination - ICERD) as soon as possible”. The call was launched on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This day “is an occasion to underline the European Union's unwavering commitment to fighting all forms of racism and xenophobia”, Ashton stated. “Racial discrimination is contrary to the values on which the EU is based, and we work hard both at home and around the world to stamp it out”, she added. She said that EU's commitment takes many forms, including legislation, awareness-raising campaigns and support to projects run by civil society. (CG/transl.rt)