The international Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination memorialises the lives lost in 1960, after police opened fire on a peaceful protest demonstration against apartheid pass laws. The massacre occurred in Sharpville, South Africa, killing 69 people and injuring 180. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed this day in 1966 as a call for action to the international community to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. In 1979, the General Assembly adopted a programme of activities that are globally undertaken to combat racism in all aspects of society, and UN meetings are held each year to address issues and encourage action among member states.