Human Rights curriculum could be introduced to schools by September, according to Venous Memari, chairperson of the Human Rights Commission.

Ms Memari was speaking at the Commemorative Event for the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

It was hosted by the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality (CURE) and the day is observed annually on March 21 — the same day police opened fire and killed 69 peaceful protestors in Sharpeville, South Africa.

They had been protesting against apartheid 'pass laws', which were designed to segregate the population by limiting movement of the non-white populace.

Events like this and other human rights issues need to be taught to children at a young age, which is why the HRC has been creating a curriculum for Bermuda's schools.

And Ms Memari said it comes after a year where human rights and race relations were at the forefront of the Island's consciousness.

She said: "In 2007, I wondered what Martin Luther King Junior would have said about Race Relations in Bermuda. In 2007, I wondered what Nelson Mandela would have said about race relations in Bermuda.

"From what I have read about them I think they would have said to think that your rights and dignity are equal to those of others. No more no less.

"They would expect the Human Rights Commission to be the voice of everyone."

It was in 1996 that the Bermuda Government made its first commitment to the Day by reading and singing the first proclamation in support of eliminating racism and racial discrimination.

These goals are outlined by the United Nations, when in 1966 the General Assembly proclaimed March 21 the anniversary of the Sharpeville massacre as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Each year, now, CURE with the Bermuda Government publicly proclaims its commitment to the community.

And last Thursday, Michelle Scott, chairperson of CURE, reiterated the organisation's commitment to their cause.

She said: "Your presence today reassures us that CURE is not alone in promoting racial equality and aspiring to social harmony between the races in Bermuda.

"Today we have experienced solidarity for a common vision of a Bermuda society that models racial harmony."

Opening the event, Minister of Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler said the future of Bermuda rests on eliminating the inequality between races.

He said: "Equality underpins and is fundamental to participation in Bermudian society. Yet, significant inequities exist in this country.

"Therefore my vision is also to recognise that the future stability of our country rests on the premise that these inequities must be reduced.

"We as leaders, and as community members, must continue to demonstrate an understanding of the needs and sensitivities of all of Bermuda's communities.

"We must welcome racial diversity and ensure rights-based equality for all."

Speakers were interspersed by poetry readings from Ras Mykkal and Laurel Monkman and a musical presentation by Gavin Djata Smith.

Dr. Eva Hodgson founder of National Association for Reconciliation, asked that black Bermudians begin to become more honest about their internalised racism.

She said: "We, as black Bermudians must become more honest, more open in addressing our own internalised racism. Some of course may feel they have done so already and we need them to help the rest of us.

"We must begin to love ourselves and each other before we can begin to love our neighbour."

Also speaking at the event were Glenn Fubler (chairperson of Imagine Bermuda 2009), Dr. Myra Virgil (Director of Human Affairs), Nelleke Hollis (chairperson of Amnesty International), Rolfe Commissiong (Consultant to the Premier) Lynne Winfield (chairperson of Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda (CURB)) and Dr. Sydney Gibbons (executive officer of CURE).