MEDIA RELEASE

Activists in 34 countries say NO to racism and intolerance
Racism is not just a thing in the past, but it should not be a thing of the future. From Poland to Ireland and from Sweden to Spain activities are being organised to counteract the rise of intolerance and racism in Europe. This co-operation between a wide variety of organisations is being promoted to develop creative alternatives to the simple solutions of xenophobia.
In France the annual "Week of Education" unites teachers, activists and students in a nation-wide effort of educating and awareness-raising around the causes and effects of racism. Thousands of schools are involved.
In many of the countries of Europe xenophobia is seen at its worst when it comes to the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers. It is against this trend that the Dutch organisation Nederland Bekent Kleur resists. Activities in the Netherlands take place in over a dozen cities.

Concerts take place in Poland, Switzerland and Spain. With this positive approach young and old alike are drawn to the ideal of an intercultural society.
New media play a role in the dissemination of racist ideas. With this in mind, it is encouraging that the same media now have their role in combating them as well. Special live and semi-live broadcasts will take place on I CARE, the Internet Centre Anti-racism Europe (www.icare.to) and via the World Association of Community Broadcasters (AMARC).

A full list of activities is available, with activities in Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Great-Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and Yugoslavia as well as international activities.

UNITED for Intercultural Actions coordinates activities on a European level. UNITED is the European network against nationalism, racism, fascism and in support of migrants and refugees. It brings together over 500 organisations from 49 countries and aims to strengthen cross border cooperation between a variety of groups working against intolerance.

For more information please contact UNITED

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UNITED for Intercultural Action
European network against nationalism, racism, fascism
and in support of migrants and refugees
Postbus 413, NL-1000 AK Amsterdam, Netherlands
phone +31-20-6834778, fax +31-20-6834582
info@unitedagainstracism.org, www.unitedagainstracism.org