TH!NK Free Your Mind from Prejudice European-wide Action Week Against Racism 2002 ACTIVITIES
IN 33 COUNTRIES
INTERNATIONAL "Radio Voix Sans Frontières" is a 24 hour multilingual broadcast co-production of community radios world wide to mark International Day Against Racial Discrimination on 21 March. This year it was composed of contributions from Africa, North America, Latin America and Europe. AMARC, the European part of the world association of community radios closely co-operated with UNITED for Intercultural Action to improve both campaigns "Radio Voix Sans Frontières" and "European-wide Action Week Against Racism". This co-operation was prepared during the expert meeting "Making Headlines Together" and has led to a better connection between anti-racist organisations and community radio stations. The European part of "Radio Voix Sans Frontières" was co-ordinated by Radio Robin Hood from Turku in Finland. On 21 March a program with pre-produced and live parts was live streamed over the Internet. All local community radio stations had the possibility to rebroadcast this program. On 21 March in Madrid (Radio Vallekas), Wien (Radio Orange), Marburg (Radio Unerhört) and Amsterdam (Radio Surya) community radio stations created a whole day of anti-racist radio programs. People from marginalised minorities had the possibility to speak about their life, needs, social discrimination and exclusion. During the 5th "World-wide Action Week Against Racism" from 16 to 24 March Neuromedia - International Branch organised an Internet action on http://neuromedia.free.fr. ALBANIA After the Kosovo crisis the question of racial discrimination and the possibilities of peaceful multi-ethnic society and democracy deeply influence everyday life and politics. Discrimination by the police and discrimination of national minorities are the most important problems. Intelektualet erinj Shprese organised a campaign with round table discussions to promote human rights among the Roma communities in Albania. A TV-program called "Tendency Generation" was organised by Albanian Youth Council, Albanian Youth Parliament and others about racism, terrorism, changes in world-wide politics and the situation in Albania. AUSTRIA On 20 March Zivilcourage und Anti-Rassimus Arbeit (ZARA) presented their Racism Report 2001 which deals especially with racist acts committed by the Austrian police. The report documents 150 cases of harassment of non-white people at the airport of Wien. Immigrants and asylum seekers are confronted with everyday discrimination. For example: a Muslim woman was attacked in public transport while the other passengers did nothing to help. Since such cases are increasing, ZARA and the Austrian Greens demand an anti-discrimination law to give victims a better basis to take legal action. The migration politics in Austria mainly aim to reduce immigration. The citizenship law has been recently changed in such a way that naturalisation will become more difficult. In January the UNHCR declared that Austria does not fulfil its obligations towards asylum seekers. There is not enough accommodation for asylum seekers in Austria so many of them live in the streets. Furthermore many Austrian organisation name the situation in pre-deportation detention camps inhuman. To make the public aware of these issues Verein für Dienste im Ausland put 600 posters of anti-racist organisations (including UNITED) on display in cafes, public buildings and clubs all over Austria. AZERBAIJAN Azerbaijan Secular Progress Youth Organisation together with youth leaders, NGOs and media representatives focused on the issue of prejudice during the "European-wide Action Week 2002". On 16 March they started with a media campaign and spread posters, postcards and press releases among mass media in Baku. In Sheki a round table discussion with the title "Youth Against Prejudice" took place on 19 March. The following day there was a discussion about "Prejudice in Family and School" in Yevlakh. "Organising Teaching Against Prejudice in Educational Institutions: Cases and Claims" was the title of a seminar in Baku on 22 March. BELGIUM A nation-wide anti-racism campaign centred round a manifestation on 10 March in Bruxelles and included a big media campaign, a special website and street actions to motivate people to take part. The campaign "Equal Opportunities and Rights" was organised by a co-operation of Belgian anti-racist (e.g. VAKA/Hand in Hand), human-rights (e.g. 11.11.11) and development organisations. The organisations demand equal chances for foreigners in education, at work and in decision making processes. The demonstrators especially demanded the right to vote for non-EU citizens in local elections. Equal chances should also be the basis for more justice between industrialised countries and the "Third World". One big problem in Belgium is the power of the "Vlaams Blok", that especially campaigns against immigrants and for a separate state for Flemish Belgium. With its leader Filip Dewinter the "Vlaams Blok" has become quite successful. Stichting Anti-Fascisme, a 10 years old association, tries to support initiatives that fight against the ideas of racial separation and "clean society". On 23 March Stichting Anti-Fascisme, awarded a prize for an initiative that struggle against xenophobia and racism. In order to remove prejudices and stereotypes and to promote intercultural perspectives the Raad voor Ouders van het Gemeenschapsonderwijs (Council for Parents in Public Education) organised an educational session entitled "Child Raising and Socialisation Practices Across Cultural Borders". BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA The Nansen Dialogue Centres in Sarajevo, Mostar and Banjaluka worked together in the framework of nation-wide "Action Week Against Racism 2002". They prepared material for street actions and a big media campaign. Among others a leaflet on the "Danger of Words" has been produced which explains terms such as "Xenophobia" and "Multiculturalism". In Mostar, Sarajevo and Banjaluka the produced material was distributed in the streets together with UNITED-posters. There were lots of special programs on TV and radio. "Discrimination Among Us" was the subject for a discussion in Banjaluka on 21 March. It seems an important issue in a country with as many problems with minorities as Bosnia-Herzegovina. The co-operation on different levels between the different Nansen Dialogue Centres, and together with UNITED, was very productive. The local actions and the media attention show this clearly. BULGARIA EU Accession Monitoring Program stated in its 2001 report on minority protection that the general framework for minority rights protection and the prevention of discrimination against minorities in Bulgaria is inadequate. Overall, Bulgarian minorities are offered minimal protection and racist violence by the police and private groups is common. NGOs speak about institutionalised racism in Bulgaria. There are many complaints from Roma reporting racist attitudes of state institutions. Gemini – the Bulgarian Gay Organisation exposes discriminatory laws in Bulgaria. During the "European-wide Action Week Against Racism 2002" Gemini organised a big campaign to make the public aware of discriminatory practises of Bulgarian state institutions. Bulgaria wants to become member of the EU so they have to fulfill certain obligations among minority rights. But even pressure from the EU does not help to change the situation of Roma, homosexuals and other marginalised groups. CROATIA During the Tudjman-regime discrimination of Jews, Muslims and Orthodox Christians was part of everyday life and politics. Antisemitic traditions from before the Second World War still existed. Thousands of Croatian Serbs emigrated to Serbia to escape discrimination and persecution. Since Tudjman’s death in1999 Croatia changed to a democratic nation and the government has changed discriminatory laws. Some of the Croatian Serbs came back. Although the situation for minority groups and the whole civil society became better there is still much to do and discuss. "Elementary School is an Elementary Right" is a project of ZAR, Women’s Action of Rijeka, presented during the "European-wide Action Week Against Racism 2002". It focuses on the issue of school access for Roma children. The Roma communities in Croatia are still treated as a second class community. They have problems to find a place to live, to get water and electricity and to take part in social life. ZAR tries to reach more public attention for the rights of the Roma communities and organised a press conference about the "Status Of Roma People in Our Town". The Committee for Human Rights Karlovac organised activities about present questions such as tolerance and civil society and about Croatian history. A new book with the title "The Holocaust in Zagreb" was presented during the "European-wide Action Week Against Racism 2002". The Committee also organised a demonstration against the erection of a monument for J. Francetic, a fascist from the time of the Second World War. On 8 April CHR Karlovac took part in the "International Day for Roma People". CZECH REPUBLIC The Organisation for Supporting the Integration of Minorities (OSIM) organised a variety of activities. Educational workshops and seminars on racism and human rights were held in secondary schools with the participation of over 90 students. OSIM’s concept was based on intercultural learning and included role-plays, simultaneous games and creative workshops. Prejudice and stereotypes still lead to discrimination of minority groups in Czechia. Human rights groups regularly report police violence against Roma. Roma who can not afford normal accommodation are separated in so called "holobyty", ghettos with a lack of basic facilities. To promote the idea of integration OSIM organised a concert of a Roma band in Pisek. In this town some years ago four skinheads attacked Roma kids and one of them drowned subsequently in a river. OSIM reported that they feared fascist attacks on their activities but fortunately everything went "smoothly. No damaged glasses, windows or broken faces". In Praha was a seminar called "Ethnic Minorities and Literature" and secondly an exhibition took place from 27 to 29 March. Both activities were organised by the City of Praha and Movement R. This year once again, DUHA organised "Beach Ball Africa" in Praha on 5 April, an intercultural evening against racism for 2500 people. Preceding the "European-wide Action Week Against Racism" a parliamentary seminar about the results of the "UN-World Conference Against Racism 2001" and consequences for a national action plan against racism with participation of government and NGOs took place in Praha on 12 March. DENMARK During the "European-wide Action Week Against Racism" there were not many activities in Denmark. In fact only one can be reported, which is quite surprising if one realises the political situation in Denmark. Since the national elections in 2001 the policy of the conservative government depends on the goodwill of a right populist party called Dansk Folkeparti (DF). Its leader Pia Kjaersgaard recently declared her aim is to get thousands of foreigners out of the country. The first step is already taken, in the from of a new law which gives less rights for asylum-seekers and makes it more difficult to become Danish citizen. Refugees are only accepted if there is a "special need of protection" according to the UN-conventions. National and international human-rights and anti-racist organisations have published their worries about these developments in Denmark that has often been seen as a good example where integration was concerned. The one activity that took place was very successful. On 21 March Ungdomshuset and several schools organised a youth conference. They built a "Sports Against Racism Area" where kids could e.g. "kick racism out" or "dribble against racism". At the conference a debate took place with politicians and ethnic minority leaders and youth bands played. Ungdomshuset reported that 400 people participated in the conference. FINLAND This year’s "Radio Voix Sans Frontières - Voices Without Frontiers" campaign was co-ordinated by Radio Robin Hood. On 21 March a 24-hour program was spread via the local Finnish broadcasting station. It was prepared in the framework of AMARC, the World Association of Community Radio Stations. At the local level the Radio Robin Hood has started organising training courses for marginalised and discriminated groups. Asylum seekers, refugees and migrants learned how to run their own program. The aim was to enable these groups to create a program after their needs and interests. Several other Finnish communities broadcasting stations (Radio Moreeni, Lahiradio) sent out anti-racist programs involving minorities. The Antifa - Pohjanmaa opened their office doors for visitors during the "European-wide Action Week Against Racism 2002". FRANCE The biggest part of the activities in France concentrated on education. A "Week" as well as a "Month of Education Against Racism" took place. A nation-wide co-operation of anti-racism organisations (among others FASTI, Ligue des Driots de l’Homme and MRAP) published an information magazine called "Act Against Racism" for children of 14 to 18 years and "All Heroes", a booklet of pictures promoting respect to tdifference. In Paris LICRA arranged a week (16 to 24 March) of intercultural activities in Paris. In La Rochelle Ligue 17 organised a variety of activities for a whole month dealing with the issues of racism, discrimination and xenophobia. There were theatre plays, conferences (e.g. on 15 March entitled "Integration and the Right to Vote for Foreigners") and film evenings, concerts and other cultural events. The activities aimed to bring young people together to celebrate diversity and think about problems of migrants and marginalised groups. The organisers believe that racism is based on thinking in stereotypes and trying to defend the interests of a certain group in an excluding way. Anti-racist education to the Ligue means to think about social problems in such a way that the interests of others are respected and solutions are found together. During the "European-wide Action Week Against Racism 2002" EMMETROP Cultures et Citoyenneté Active went to schools to talk about tolerance. "Let’s Become Enraged" ("Enrageons-nous") was the title of a festival organised by Club Loisirs Action Jeunesse (CLAJ) with theatre, music, discussions and art-workshops that took place in Brest from 13 to 24 March. GEORGIA Under president Shevardnadze Georgia has not developed an active civil society. There is no strong opposition and most public institutions run after the ideas of the government. Ethnic and religious minorities are marginalised and discriminated. Radical orthodox groups attack Jehovah’s Witnesses, which is tolerated by the authorities.Institutionalised racism is quite common. The police commits violence against minorities, especially against Roma. While the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) in its latest report says that anti-discrimination laws according to international standards have been decided the question is whether there will be any kind of implementation. In this context a seminar entitled "New Forms of Racism in Postcommunist Societies" in Tbilisi organised by International Centre on Conflict and Negotiation on 19 March seams very important. Another "Seminar Against Racism" was arranged by the Human Rights Information and Documentation Centre in Tbilisi during the Action Week. GERMANY Although politicians and the majority of the German society speak about the necessity of the struggle against racism and xenophobia, in fact discrimination takes place on many levels: The political discourse in the year of general elections is dominated by a climate of fear. The two main issues are safety and unemployment and both of them are used to spread xenophobic ideas. The new immigration law is criticised by the conservative opposition because it does not reduce immigration and the right of asylum enough.Discussions about new detention camps and uncomplicated detention take place. Even now asylum-seekers do not have many rights. They are not allowed to work, the medical care is of low quality and they don’t have the right of free movement. Many organisations focused on this "structural racism" during the "European-wide Action Week Against Racism 2002" and published press-releases (e.g. Flüchtlingsrat Thüringen), organised manifestations (e.g. Flüchtlingrsrat Brandenburg in Rathenow) or organised debates about "refugee children in Lower Saxony" ( Pavillon - School Without Racism). Others organised activities that dealt with the extreme-right and what citizens can do to fight against racism and violence. In the streets of Erfurt ABAD organised a game to teach people how to react if they face racist violence. Different anti-racist organisations in Potsdam put 130 crosses for 130 victims of racial violence in front of the Nikolai church. During the European Action Week Against Racism cultural activities took place to spread the idea of cultural exchange and an open society. In Jena a concert, a football competition and a Kurdish evening were organised by Leseladen JG Stadtmitte together with refugees and in Hannover a theatre play took place. GREAT-BRITAIN On 21 March Black Britain Network published a press release promoting the aims of the "International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination" and the "2001 World Conference Against Racism" in Durban. "In Britain, there are just two Asian or black people in Whitehall’s top four grades and only 58 among its 3000 senior policy-makers. There are still no ethnic minority generals or high court judges. There are still only 12 ethnic minority MPs in the UK House of Commons. A succession of reports have shown racism thriving in the health service, probation, housing and the prosecuting system in Britain." The "Conference to Defend Asylum Seekers" in Manchester was organised by the Committee to defend Asylum Seekers and others on 23 March. It dealt with the asylum policies of the British government and the way they violate asylum seekers’ rights. Recently Tony Blair spoke about plans to use ships of the British marine in the Mediterranean Sea to protect the EU borders from refugees. Anti-racist cultural events were organised by Show Racism the Red Card (SRTRC) and Cultural Equalities Group. SRTRC showed the films "Tasting Freedom" and "Show Racism the Red Card" in Newcastle. On 24 March the "Anti Racist Festival to Celebrate Diversity" took place in Stockport organ GREECE On 21 March, the "International Day Against Racism", Greek Helsinki Monitor (GHM) published press releases monitoring the human rights situation in Greece especially focussing on the issue of racial discrimination. One report is about several cases of policemen attacking and discriminating foreigners, migrants and asylum seekers. Authorities say these are single isolated cases. GHM demands the government to take action against institutionalised racism. A second report deals with the situation of asylum seekers in Greece. GHM speaks about violation of the Geneva Convention and states that even the UNHCR criticises the government. GHM reports that in one detention camp 30-34 persons were locked inside six small cells. HUNGARY From 20 to 21 March the Hungarian Federation of Resistance Fighters and Antifascists (MEASZ) demonstrated silently in front of a radio station against its racist broadcasting programs. Media can play an important role to promote solidarity among different ethnic groups but they can also spread hatred. MEASZ also organised an award for people from public life who showed a good example in the fight against racism. Although there are some changes in the legal and institutional framework for minority protection because of Hungary’s interest to become a member of the EU, Roma, the largest minority of Hungary, continues to experience widespread discrimination in education, employment, the criminal justice system and access to public services. To struggle against ethnic discrimination and racism the Mahatma Gandhi Organisation and others held a peace march in Budapest. Anti-Racist Mentality published an anti racist CD-ROM. IRELAND The governmental programme "KNOW RACISM" supported initiatives and groups planning activities around 21 March "International Day Against Racism". In partnership with Youth Action Against Racism and Discrimination (YARD) and others a campaign was started including the production of info leaflets and posters to encourage secondary school pupils to take action during the "European Week Against Racism 18-22 March 2002". YARD arranged a poster competition about the meaning of 21 March, racism, discrimination issues and cultural diversity. The best posters by participating schools and youth clubs, received a prize on 21 March. Kerry Action for Development Education (KADE) published an educational leaflet about the issue of racism on the occasion of the Action Week. It contains definitions, racism in the Irish context, interculturalism and how to act against racism. Exchange House Traveller’s Youth Service (EHTYS) and the Union of Students of Ireland (USI). EHTYS distributed material for anti-racist workshops during an "Education Show" in Dublin from 11 to 13 March. USI spread the material among local student unions and organised two nation wide conferences about "Higher Education Institutions in a Multicultural Society". Le Chéile Artists in Ireland Against Racism organised the exhibition "Identity - Words and Images Against Racism" in Dublin. It dealt with exploring the concept of identity through poetry and visual art. They also participated in a poetry reading in Dublin on 20 March and organised poetry, music and visual art workshops for schools. ITALY The Italian situation can be perfectly described with one example. On 21 March Gruppo Della Memoria wanted to organise a manifestation against racism. But for unclear reasons the local right-wing government did not give permission to demonstrate. In 2001 the Berlusconi government started to strengthen the persecution of "criminal" immigrants. In fact the government aims to legitimate its xenophobic politics by saying that immigrants are responsible for drug dealing and prostitution. A lot of refugees try to reach Europe via Italy and the government does everything to close the Italian borders. Legal immigration has become more difficult because Italian working places are first for Italians. The political opposition and organisations fighting for the rights of refugees and against racism face many problems. Berlusconi mainly controls the media and demonstrations are obstructed. During the "European-wide Action Week Against Racism 2002" several organisations arranged activities nonetheless. Associazione Rieti Immigrant-Provincia (ARI) organised a whole action week (16-24 March) with theatre plays, lessons on multicultural teaching. Meetings in schools took place, children could participate in a creative stand and multiethnic food was served. An evening was arranged for young people and an advertisement was placed in the local television. ARI also organised an opinion poll at a central square in Rieti with the participation of over 100 people. They found out that about 65 per cent agreed with the necessity of a public house for non-community citizens in Rieti. In Roma Centro Studi Emigrazione organised an information campaign on Internet and in the public library. The association "EUTROPIA" started a programme for migrant children entitled "Cartage". In the framework of this project the association together with children built up an intercultural laboratory and distributed anti-racist material. LUXEMBOURG Comité de Liaison et d’Action des Étrangers (CLAE) organised this year again the biggest intercultural festival in Luxembourg. From 15 to 17 March the "19th Festival of Migration, Cultures and Citizenship" attracted thousands of people to celebrate diversity and think about issues surrounding racism, discrimination and migration. The "2nd Salon du Livre et de Cultures" contained a multicultural library, a photo-exhibition and sculptures. Writers and journalists from all over the world came together to talk about cultural diversity and political issues. During workshops and debates participants discussed the problems of non-European citizens, the integration of foreigners in the education system and how a peaceful way of living together in multiethnic societies can be found. Visitors could see films from Portugal, listen to bands from Spain, Netherlands, Cuba, Morocco and Serbia or eat food representing the variety of cultures. MACEDONIA Although the international community sees Macedonia as a model of stability and democracy in the region, it faces many problems connected with racism and human rights. Macedonia has a multiethnic society in a region of crises and conflicts. There are a lot of tensions in politics and social life, especially between the different ethnic groups of Macedonians, Turks, Roma, and people from other regions of former Yugoslavia. The action month "Building Bridges Between Minorities, Majorities and Authorities Within the Macedonian Society" in March of the Civil Society Resource Center dealt with these issues. It included discussions about the idea of interethnic councils in different Macedonian regions, and what are effective strategies to support a lively and interethnic civil society took place. Prejudice and social exclusion were the subjects of a poster and media campaign in Skopje organised by Intercultural Association for Development, Education and Co-operation. MOLDOVA Language is only one example of a source of conflicts in Moldova. The communist government wanted to make the Russian language common in schools. The Russian community in Moldova is quite big. Many ethnic Moldavians protested. Finally the government decided that Russian would be an optional language at schools. The Transdniestrian conflict is also a central problem. Many families and friends are separated because of this "frozen conflict". Youth Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly of Moldova, that discusses these problems in their Moldavian-English journal "Collage", organised an exhibition in Chisinau from 21 to 23 March entitled "Expo in Action". The action was supported by the Dutch Richter foundation, and included theatre performance and discussions. NETHERLANDS Because of the national elections in May many activities of the Dutch anti-racist movement focussed especially on political debates. Nederland Bekent Kleur co-ordinated a nation-wide action week from 16 to 21 March and entitled it "Give Racism No Vote". A populist right politician, called Pim Fortuyn, accumulated a lot of success with his discourse against migration, multicultural society and the Islam. During the last half year the whole social and political climate has changed in Netherlands. It is true that there were always groups with racist ideas but recently issues as migrants have been highlighted. The European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia (EUMC) as well as local anti-discrimination offices report increasing numbers of cases dealing with racist violence and discrimination. The need to discuss about Pim Fortuyn and his popularity was reflected in lots of activities that took place in March. "How dangerous is Pim Fortuyn" was the title of a debate that took place in Tilburg on 20 March. Beside local debates with politicians all over Netherlands, Nederland Bekent Kleur organised an interactive debate with politicians on their website. On 21 March discussions entitled "There is More That Brings Us Together Than Separating Us" took place in Vlissingen, organised by Bravo Anti-Racism Foundation. To struggle against this persisting fear of multiculturalism many organisations promoted cultural exchange during a variety of concerts (e.g. 22 to 23 March Anti-Racist Festival "R.E.S.P.E.C.T." in Uden organised by Stichting de Pul), sport activities (e.g. on 17 March in Delft organised by Jongeren Comité) and school programmes (e.g. "Multicultural Day" at a school in Dordrecht on 20 March). A whole week of activities including music, dance films, programmes for refugees and migrants entitled "Borderless Encounters - Anti Racism Week 2002" took place from 16 to 24 March in Eindhoven organised by a co-operation of anti-racist organisations. Only days before the general elections in May Pim Fortuyn was murdered. This has greatly influenced the political climate. POLAND "Nigdy Wiecej - Never Again" Association reported that this year’s "European-wide Action Week Against Racism 2002" in Poland was the most successful so far. The media and the public responded very positively to the various activities. "Nigdy Wiecej - Never Again" Association co-ordinated a nation-wide campaign with cultural activities, education programmes, demonstrations, discussions and much more. In Dzerzonio, the local Grupa Anti-Nazistowska removed racist and fascist graffiti, Klub Gaja organised a discussion about "Tame the Otherness" in Poznan and on 21 March a demonstration and a commemoration ceremony at a monument to the victims of the Second World War took place. "Nigdy Wiecej - Never Again" Association also started a special campaign about racism in football stadiums. They gave a nation-wide petition to football authorities in Warsaw to take action against racism and antisemitism in stadiums and released a music CD with anti-racist football songs. In the field of education several projects took place. During the "European-wide Action Week Against Racism 2002" in Poznan pupils learnt about the situation of refugees and afterwards created a whole exhibition about this issue. "Jeden Swiat - One World Association Poland" ran workshops on racism in everyday life in secondary schools. On 23 March Lewy Front from Poznan organised a trip to a Nazi/Gestapo detention camp in Zarbikowo. During the Nazi occupation, Jewish people, political prisoners, prisoners of war and members of the resistance movement were imprisoned in this camp. Today there is a museum and an exhibition about the history of the camp and Nazi crimes. After the visit a discussion about neo-Nazis nowadays was held. Although there are very few foreigners, Poland has quite a big neo-Nazi problem. On 21 March an information stand of the "Nigdy Wiecej - Never Again" Association was destroyed by a group of neo-Nazis. Members of Grupa Anti-Nazistowska in Zamosc were attacked by skin-heads several times. "Nigdy Wiecej - Never Again" Association published a report on such cases of racist and fascist violence in Poland in 2001 in Warsaw. A lot of activities promoted exchange between cultures. "Reggae Against Racism" took place on 16 March in Leszno organised by "Nigdy Wiecej - Never Again" Association and "Jeden Swiat - One World Association Poland" arranged a drum concert with 16 young people playing different kind of drums and didgeridoos. 200 people came to listen and to dance. Finally, "Klub Gaja" organised several activities in the framework of their project "Let Others Not Be Aliens to Us". On 9 March they contacted the Chinese embassy to demand human rights in Tibet. On 15 March a ska concert was held. PORTUGAL S.O.S. Racismo organised a whole week of activities in Lisboa from 19 to 28 March. On every day they focussed on another issue. On 20 March urbanism and social exclusion were discussed. Although Portugal is member of the EU there exists still great poverty. Especially in the big cities of Lisboa and Porto this become visible. People from Africa and Roma often live in "slum" areas because they don’t have access to well-paid work. The film "Hate" of Mathieu Kassovitz was shown on the same day because it deals with three friends, one Jewish, one black African and one Arab, who live in a housing project in Paris. On 21 March International Day Against Racism S.O.S. Racismo organised a debate and a film-evening about the struggle of immigrants. The documentary films "Without Papers" and "The Other Frontier" of Joaquim Picazo were shown and afterwards a discussion with the maker took place. "March on Washington" by Spike Lee was shown as a part of the focus on "Discrimination - Coherence Between Social Movements" on 22 March. On the last day the problems of the Sinti and Roma communities were discussed and a film was shown. These topics emphasise that Portugal’s problem is not a successful extreme-right but how to deal with migration and social exclusion. ROMANIA Romania is trying to prepare itself for accession to the EU. One of the requirements is to ameliorate the situation for the Roma. Governmental programmes to improve housing and integrate Roma children in the school system are put in place. However, change will only be fundamental, when the implementation of such programmes is accompanied by a change of attitudes. Roma are not yet seen as equal citizens and as a result their human rights are violated. On 21 March the National Council for Refugees organised an intercultural evening to promote cultures of minorities. On the same day Youth Action for Peace organised a film evening. People from Oradea could watch the movies "War in the Kitchen" and "White Cat - Black Cat" for free. On 22 March Wound Student Club and Attitude! Gay Lesbian Initiative ran workshops about racism and discrimination issues. Youth Action for Peace also focussed on education against racism and distributed information material among young people in Cluj-Napoca. The difficult social and economic situation of young people makes it even more important to organise something they like. For this reason tolerance was promoted through arts. YAP-Ro organised an exhibition with the works of Fine Arts students. Also, students of the Cluj Theatre School performed in front of the Students Culture House. The title of the happening was "Against the Common Sense". Romanian Women Against Racism were active during the "European-wide Action Week Against Racism 2002" and organised round tables and campaigns. They tried to highlight the issue of women being discriminated. Especially Roma women have a very difficult situation within the Romanian society. RUSSIA Romania is trying to prepare itself for accession to the EU. One of the requirements is to ameliorate the situation for the Roma. Governmental programmes to improve housing and integrate Roma children in the school system are put in place. However, change will only be fundamental, when the implementation of such programmes is accompanied by a change of attitudes. Roma are not yet seen as equal citizens and as a result their human rights are violated. On 21 March the National Council for Refugees organised an intercultural evening to promote cultures of minorities. On the same day Youth Action for Peace organised a film evening. People from Oradea could watch the movies "War in the Kitchen" and "White Cat - Black Cat" for free. On 22 March Wound Student Club and Attitude! Gay Lesbian Initiative ran workshops about racism and discrimination issues. Youth Action for Peace also focussed on education against racism and distributed information material among young people in Cluj-Napoca. The difficult social and economic situation of young people makes it even more important to organise something they like. For this reason tolerance was promoted through arts. YAP-Ro organised an exhibition with the works of Fine Arts students. Also, students of the Cluj Theatre School performed in front of the Students Culture House. The title of the happening was "Against the Common Sense". Romanian Women Against Racism were active during the "European-wide Action Week Against Racism 2002" and organised round tables and campaigns. They tried to highlight the issue of women being discriminated. Especially Roma women have a very difficult situation within the Romanian society. SLOVAKIA People Against Racism reported that this year the "European-wide Action Week Against Racism" in Slovakia was very successful. In 123 cities activities against racism took place such as marches, exhibitions, concerts, discussions, theatre performances and sport events. Schools ran special lessons about racism or arranged visits in former concentration camps. People against racism themselves produced an anti-fascist CD with famous musicians and actors and organised a "Concert Against Racism" on 21 March in Bratislava. Together Into the Future organised activities to highlight Roma rights. Up to now national political programmes have failed to decrease discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, health, social services, education and the enjoyment of fundamental human and minority rights. Slovak NGOs have compiled convincing evidence of racially motivated violence as well as discrimination against Roma in access to the mentioned areas. From 18 to 21 March a series of workshops took place all over Slovakia under the topic "Discrimination and Roma - Their Culture, History and Current Issues". Together Into the Future travelled through the whole country to go in schools and promote the importance of the Roma community for the Slovakian society. "Jewels of the Nations" was the title of a cultural event, which took place in Prievidza, where Roma and Non-Roma performers celebrated the cultural riches of Slovakia. SLOVENIA In Slovenia the governmental project group "All different - All Equal" organised activities connected to the "European-wide Action Week Against Racism". They started a media campaign "Free Your Mind From Prejudice". The project "Your Way to the Tolerance" was started in April. The "All different - All Equal" group goes into secondary schools to discuss all forms of prejudice in Slovenia. After the workshop the pupils take action by themselves. They plan activities and create their own anti-racist material as posters and texts. "All different - All Equal" also produced postcards, brochures and folders about this project to motivate as many young people as possible to participate. In 2002 the photo exhibition "Tolerance to the Difference" goes on. There is no sufficient improvement in socio-economic integration of Roma and even the EU Commission says: "The situation of the Roma continues to present some problems…" SPAIN In Spain racism is often related to the fact that Spain forms the border of the "Fortress Europe". Restrictive migration laws make it almost impossible to get a legal status, so deportation and detention are a real exclusion business. At the beginning of this year the mass media reported about protest of NGOs against detention. The police answered with brutal violence against protesting organisations (e.g. "Nobody is Illegal"). Crossing the strait of Gibraltar (North) Africans try to escape poverty and enter the wealthy European Union. In Spain they are often confronted with discrimination, even if they have a legal status. Often nightclubs don’t allow Moroccans to enter. SOS Racismo highlighted these issues during the "European-wide Action Week Against Racism 2002" and organised a big manifestation in Madrid. On 21 March lots of people went in the streets to promote the slogan "Racism - Stop it". In Barcelona, on the same day a lecture dealt with the question "Why is it Important to Work Every Day against Racism". The meeting of the European Overture Network (a network of Guides and Scouts) focused on the danger of right wing political parties and movements. They decided to build up an updated list of such parties and movements, so that guides and scouts of the network can become aware of people from these groups. Youth Red Cross organised an "Immigrants Game" in Tenerife, where refugees and migrants from Morocco often arrive. SWEDEN In 2001 a governmental programme against racism has been started. It includes new laws that make certain types of discrimination illegal. But still foreigners are discriminated when seeking jobs, looking for housing, applying for credit, by teachers at schools and by the police. Foreign students report that they are discriminated by other students, in dormitories and lectures. On 21 March 2002, as a part of the governmental programme, a big conference took place. Subjects were the results of the WCAR (World Conference Against Racism) 2001 in Durban and the consequences for Sweden. A lot of NGOs participated to improve national anti-racism networking. On the same day the government launched a website promoting tolerance in Sweden. On this site the government publishes statistics about racism in Sweden, information about the situation in other countries and promotes the aims of the WCAR. Alla Olika, Alla Lika held discussions in schools about racism. This seems to be important if one realises the Swedish situation. Sweden was never involved in the Second World War. While other European countries undertook serious political house cleaning after the war, the Swedish extreme right, which has provided numerous volunteers for Hitler’s SS, was never seriously touched. The struggle against racism has to face a quite strong extreme-right movement. SWITZERLAND The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights organised a follow-up panel discussion about the 2001 World Conference Against Racism. "Young People Against Racism: The Road from Durban" took place in Genève on 21 March, with the participation of Mary Robinson (UN High Commissioner for Human Rights). The panel also attracted interest from local high schools and students from the University of Genève. She expressed her optimism in the face of young people’s enthusiasm to work together to eliminate racism, discrimination and intolerance. For the 7th time Tous Différent, Tous Égaux (TD TE) organised activities around 21 March. A newspaper spoke about an ambitious programme that aimed to make people aware of racism, discrimination and xenophobia. On 20 March TD TE organised children activities in the streets of Locle and La Chaux de Fonds. The programme contained a music workshop, tasting workshop and other cultural activities. On 21 March, "films of the South", a selection of films of the international film festival in Fribourg, were shown. In Neuchatel a film about the poverty in Brasilia called "Eu, tu, eles" was playing and here was a discussion about travelling people; there are about 35000 of them with different ethnic backgrounds in Switzerland. TD TE demands a place for their mobile homes. "The Shadows of History and the Power of Images - Anti-Black Racism in Switzerland" was the title of a conference which was organised by Commission Féderale Contre le Racism and others in Bern. Ligue International Contre le Racism (LICRA) focussed on the "Means and Perspectives in the Prevention of Racism" and organised a lecture, debate and showing of a film. For LICRA the opinions of victims are especially interesting. On 23 March an anti-racist organisation called Carrefour de Réflection et d’Action contre le Racism Anti-Noir (CRAN) was founded in Bern. UKRAINE Racial discrimination in Ukraine is especially prevalent towards the Roma community. The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination voiced particular concern over social discrimination and police brutality experienced by Roma. The police arbitrarily stops people in the streets and searches dark-skinned persons, refugees and people from the Caucasus who reside legally in the country to make them pay bribes in order not to be detained. The Ukrainian President Kuchma is criticised by many national and international human rights organisations because of the way he counteracts civil society. Last year the independent media were particularly oppressed and two journalists were murdered under strange circumstances. Protest was struck down by the police using excessive force. Despite the difficult circumstances there are human rights and anti-racist organisations that realise the importance of a critical civil society. On 21 March the Association for Interethnic Peace and Harmony in Ukraine, Anti- Defamation League of Ukraine and Kiev B’nai B’rith organised a meeting to discuss about the courts that should persecute racist discrimination and they made plans for anti-racist demonstrations. YUGOSLAVIA Still, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is a problematic region in whole Europe. The Kosovo crisis has been a humanitarian disaster with long-term consequences. Although the ex-dictator Slobodan Milosevic now faces a trial at the International Criminal Tribunal, ethnic conflicts have not been solved yet. Even KFOR, the international protection force in the Kosovo region can not prevent cases of ethnically and politically motivated attacks. Tensions between Albanian and Serb communities resulted in abuses of human rights. Racial attacks on Roma, Jewish Albanian and other communities reportedly continue. In July 2001 hundreds of supporters of nationalist organisations assaulted lesbians, gay men, journalists and bystanders and prevented the first Yugoslavian Gay Pride Celebration. What Do You Want?, a human rights organisation from Belgrade, realised the difficult situation of the Roma community in Serbia and organised several activities to give them a voice and to make the pu\blic aware of their rights. A short film about the Romany situation in Serbia was produced and a photo exhibition was organised together with Rrominterpress. On 21 March What Do You Want? arranged a concert with traditional African music and a panel discussion with Romany refugees, politicians and representatives from different NGOs in Belgrade. Another discussion took place on 24 March in Novi Pazar. Order the printed version (with many pictures and press clippings) of the report at: Up 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 |
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