Act!
Against Racism
European-wide Action Week Against Racism 2005 |
Organisations
all over Europe act together!
Activities in 45 European countries!
In March 2005, NGOs in 45 European countries organised the broadest
European-wide anti-racist campaign ever. Thousands of activists,
from Baku to Madrid and from Rome to Stockholm got active to
highlight one common European problem: racism. Even 60 years
after the end of the Second World War racially motivated discrimination
is a constant companion of Europe. Extreme right-wing groups
and parties are spreading their ideology of hatred against foreigners,
migrants, people of minority groups and everyone who is 'different'
in their eyes. But also structural racism is still a problem.
Minorities and migrants face discrimination in employment, housing
and education. In everyday life people of 'coloured' skin are
confronted with offensive behaviour and disrespect. In a message
on the International Day for the Elimination of All Forms of
Racial Discrimination United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan
said: "the virus of racism continues to infect human relations
and human institutions in all parts of our globe. Today, the
old strains of this disease, such as institutionalized discrimination,
indirect disadvantage, racist violence, hate crimes, harassment
and persecution, are compounded by new forms of discrimination,
seemingly defying many of the gains we have made." The Internet
is used as a platform to propagate racism. Anti-terrorist measures
have sometimes been used to scapegoat whole minority communities.
Also the use of racist, antisemitic and xenophobic language and
ideas in political life has increased, including by mainstream
political parties.
Get Active!
"No one can be neutral in the fight against such intolerance.
And we must not give up either the struggle against racism or
hope for victory" stated Kofi Annan on 21 March.
To combat racism through UNITED action, a dynamic European anti-racist
movement exists. We speak out against everyday racism and the
negative political tendencies in Europe. Anti-racism has to be
put into the mainstream of contemporary culture. We need to ACT
together.
Activities from Moscow to Madrid,
from Stockholm to Belgrade
During the European-wide Action Week Against Racism organisations,
which are linked through UNITED, initiated local events to join
the fight against racism and discrimination. Through (press)
conferences, street actions, intercultural festivals and workshops
in schools, universities and companies, NGOs addressed the entire
society in order to stop racism and to take positive action for
tolerance.
Helsinki Citizens' Assembly Vanadzor organised a workshop
against racism for children in Armenia. In Germany, Ireland and
Finland, large nationwide campaigns were launched to highlight
the Action Week, reaching tens of thousands of people with a
huge variety of activities, from educational lessons in schools
to multicultural parties. Azerbaijan Young Lawyers' Union organised
"Open Doors!" days in Baku, to provide free legal consulting
for those who suffered from discrimination on racial, national
and ethnic grounds. A "Night of Sport Against Racism in
Cluj-Napoca" including a swimming contest and water pool
match with the participation of foreign students was organised
by Youth Action for Peace Romania. In the Netherlands the
number of xenophobic, racist and extreme-right incidents increased
alarmingly, after the murder of the Dutch filmmaker Theo van
Gogh in November 2004. To fight those tendencies NGOs joined
their forces and organised big campaigns with many activities
all over the country. The Internet Centre Anti Racism Europe
News team conducted live reporting of the Action Week 'ACT! Against
Racism' and interviewed activists from many countries participating
in the UNITED campaign. The interviews in English, French or
Spanish are published on the www.ICARE.to website.
All in all, UNITED's co-ordination of the European Week stimulated
activities in 45 countries with good
media coverage and strong commitment of the activists. 21 March
marked the highlight of the campaign. On that day, anti-racists
commemorated the murder of 69 peaceful demonstrators in Sharpeville
in 1960, who were killed because they had protested against the
racist apartheid regime.
UNITED against racism
Linked through UNITED for Intercultural Action, the European
network against nationalism, racism, fascism and in support of
migrants and refugees, more than 560 organisations from 46 European
countries work together, learn and benefit from each other's
experience. The organisations base their common actions and joint
activities on mutual respect, solidarity and intercultural understanding.
They meet each other at European conferences, exchange information
and good practices leading to coordinated campaigns with a strong
local, national and European impact.
While activities of the Action
Week Against Racism were performed independently by the network
organisations, the European secretariat of UNITED coordinated
the whole campaign, provided NGOs with common campaign materials
and ensured a good information flow among organisations, the
media and decision-makers. UNITED is an open network inviting
everybody who is willing to join the European struggle against
racism. It is independent from all political parties.
If you want to get involved,
discuss the ideas and aims of UNITED within your organisation.
Let us know that your organisation would like to join the network
or to receive information about it. And please add us to your
mailing list to keep the information flowing!
COUNTRY REPORTS
INTERNATIONAL: Listen to live reports on www.icare.to
On the international scale, this
year's European-wide Action Week Against Racism served as a platform
for awareness raising campaigns.
"The Internet Centre Anti-Racism Europe"
I CARE News team did live reporting of the 2005 Action Week 'ACT!
Against Racism'. Activists from many countries active in the
UNITED campaign were interviewed either in English, French or
Spanish, from the places where events took place. This gave an
impression on the situation concerning racism in different countries
and the different ways of fighting against it. The NGOs had the
opportunity to present their activities on an international level.
The interviews are published on www.icare.to.
Radio Voices Without Frontiers (RVSF) successfully celebrated
the eight edition of a global radio marathon to commemorate the
International Day for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination. Calling for the celebration of human diversity
in society and promoting access to the media by minorities and
disadvantaged groups an international broadcast was produced
by the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC)
in collaboration with community radio producers and stations
from around the world.
RVSF was webcast on http://www.rvsf.amarc.org
and distributed by satellite and relayed by community radio stations
in five continents. This year, the broadcast featured programs
in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Slovenian, Arabic,
and Nepali.
ARMENIA:
Armenia made some positive steps over recent years
"Armenia has taken
some positive steps over the recent years, which are relevant
in combating racism and intolerance" a spokesman of the
'Human Rights Defender's (Ombudsman) Office Armenia' said referring
to several examples. Among them measures to address the situation
of refugees like the adoption of the refugee law and some steps
taken in the fields of national minorities. But still national
minorities face discrimination, for example the lack of publications
and broadcasting in minority languages or the inadequate access
by minority children to education in their mother tongue. "In
this case, the children are made to attend to Armenian schools,
thus they do not have the opportunity to study at school where
his /her not ethnic Armenian parent's language is taught."
a member of Helsinki Citizen's Assembly Vanadzor wrote.
"Against Racism" was the title of the workshop for
children organised by the NGO Helsinki Citizen's Assembly taking
place in Vanadzor. The goal of the workshop was to show the forms
of discrimination with the help of children's knowledge on racial
discrimination for example the use of ethnic groups names in
a negative way. The children also the 1st article of the International
Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
So they became familiar with the criteria defining forms of discrimination
and started working on concepts for activities for overcoming
racial discrimination. Also a competition in essays, photos and
paintings "Against Racism" was organised by Helsinki
Citizen's Assembly Vanadzor.
A round table concerning the situation of racial discrimination
in Armenia and the protection of ethnic minorities, including
Armenian migrants in the Russian Federation by the example of
Sverdlov region was organised by Human Rights Defender's (Ombudsman)
Office Armenia.
AZERBAIJAN: "Open Doors!"
Days in Baku
"Our organisation wholly supports UNITED's actions, as we
are still facing all kinds of discrimination, racism and human
rights violence" a member of an Azerbaijanian NGO wrote.
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
expresses its concerns "about the ability of civil society
organisations, including organisations working to combat racial
discrimination, to operate freely" in its Consideration
of Reports by States Parties under Article 9 of the International
Convention On the Elimination Of all Forms of Racial Discrimination.
Asylum-seekers, refugees, stateless persons, displaced persons
and long-term residents residing in Azerbaijan experience discrimination
in the areas of employment, education, housing and health, according
to the Committee. Also incidents of racial discrimination against
Armenians were reported. In order to avoid being discriminated,
a majority of the Armenians living in Azerbaijan conceal their
ethnic identity.
To provide free legal consulting for those who suffered from
discrimination on racial, national and ethnic grounds Azerbaijan
Young Lawyers' Union (AYLU) organised "Open Doors!"
days in Baku. Several people applied for consultation and received
advices, which showed the need for such help.
Also information about the "ACT! Against Racism!" campaign
and the existing legislation in this field was provided for young
lawyers, journalists and other people. During a seminar for young
lawyers and law students, an expert of AYLU gave information
about origins of racism, relevant definitions. He also talked
about the national and international mechanism of the protection
against racial discrimination.
The Secular Progress Youth Association (SPYA) conducted round
table talks "Live Thinking About Others" in Baku and
Sumgayit on antiracist activities worldwide and in Azerbaijan.
SPYA also informed the media about the European-wide Action Week
against Racism. UNITED posters were distributed by Society for
Humanitarian Research in Baku and by Helsinki Citizens' Assembly
Azerbaijan in Ganja.
BELGIUM: No equal chances with job
search
The discrimination
of foreigners during job search became a subject of a big discussion
in Belgium. "No equal chances with the job search"
was the headline in "La Libre Belgique". A Belgian
entrepreneur explained to the public that he doesn't employ Maroccans
for his service. Customers reject foreign workers fixing their
garage doors. But this is not just one individual case. Many
foreigners have no chances in the job market, because they are
rejected regardless of their qualifications.
To combat discrimination in the field of employment and to sensitise
key actors in the Belgian labour market to the benefits of diversity,
the conference "Diversity at the Workplace" was organised
by the Belgian National Working Group. During the workshops and
plenary sessions members of Belgian employers associations, trade
unions and NGOs exchanged and discussed projects and practical
experiences in diversity management, EU anti-discrimination campaigns.
Around 100.000 people demonstrated "Together for Another
Europe: Social, Solidly United, Equal and Peaceful" during
a big international demonstration in Bruxelles organised by the
Belgium Social Forum.
From all over Europe people came to raise awareness to the public
on different issues, among others on the European-wide Action
Week and the International Day for the Elimination of All Forms
of Racial Discrimination.
A cultural meeting for teenagers with activities like the design
and painting of panels, a football match, a photo exhibition,
a small walk and a petition to help a family from Somalia was
organised by Le Monde des Possibles in Liège.
Namur Anti-Fasciste organised activities for democracy, against
ultra-right and racist propaganda in Namur and Région
Wallonne during the European-wide Action Week and the Mouvement
Contre Racisme Antisémitisme et Xénophobie distributed
UNITED campaign posters.
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA: Bosnia & Herzegovina
Acts against Racism
Bosnia and Herzegovina's
society still faces a lot of difficult post-war and socio-economic
conditions. For ethnic minorities the situation of direct and
indirect discrimination in several areas of life and particularly
in education, employment, housing and access to health services
remains problematic according to a report released by the European
Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) in February
2005.
Nationalism in politics aggravates this situation. The extensive
use of nationalist ideas, made by political parties, promotes
"division, including geographical separation, between constituent
peoples and, more generally among the different ethnic groups
composing Bosnia and Herzegovina's society". This builds
an "atmosphere in which integration of different ethnic
and religious groups is obstructed, but also created a climate
where the extreme nationalist segments of the population, ready
to engage in violent and other criminal activities, have felt
unhindered in pursuing their activities" ECRI writes in
its report. The Roma population is marked by extreme poverty
and discrimination by the society and public authorities. "The
disadvantaged position of Roma is evident across all fields of
life" states ECRI's report.
To raise awareness on prejudices, stereotypes and all forms of
discrimination the Nansen Dialogue Centre in Banjaluka together
with the Student's Council of Banjaluka distributed anti-racist
material and posted some posters on notice boards in most Banjaluka
Univeristy faculties. Besides the media was informed about the
European-wide Action Week and articles were published in local
newspapers.
CZECHIA: Orange ribbon- a sign of
resistance
75 percent of the Czechs don't want Roma people as their neighbours.
Every fifth person doesn't want to live next to foreigners. This
is the result of a public opinion poll of the institute CVVM
about tolerance in the Czech Republic in 2005. The reservations
against foreigners decreased clearly (-10 %) in comparison to
the inquiry two years ago. But the aversion to Roma kept stronger
(just -4 %). In many fields of life Roma get discriminated, for
example in health care and education. Roma are also affected
by unemployment above the average.
In March 2005 Radio Prague reported two cases in which firms
were forced to apologize and pay remuneration to Roma because
of discrimination. It was proved that in both cases the women
who had posed as jobseekers were denied interviews due to their
Roma origin. The women were recognized by the dark colour of
their skin. Later white-coloured skin applicants were invited
to an interview.
Unfortunately there are a lot more cases, which don't go before
court, because it takes a lot of energy and courage according
to the Advisory Board for Citizen and Human Rights in Prague.
Measures, such as an independent instruments for the protection
from discrimination, have to be taken to inform the public and
to develop a higher sensibility, which kind of behaviour is discriminating.
On the occasion of the International Day against Racism, the
Multicultural Centre Prague and several Czech NGOs active in
the fight against discrimination organised the "Orange Ribbon"
event. The aim of this event was to inform the public about the
issue of discrimination based on ethnic origin. In several Czech
cities including Prague, Brno, Ústí nad Labem,
Liberec and Olomouc volunteers offered to passers-by an orange
ribbon, symbolising the fight against racism, to pin to their
cloth, distributed information flyers and discussed issues of
racism with the people on the street. Moreover, five information
stands, designed in orange, were placed in different locations
in Prague to inform people about organisations participating
in the initiative and the history and meaning of the International
Day Against Racism. In addition, a special supplement including
a list with services of organisations involved in fighting racism
in the Czech Republic was published in a magazine sold by homeless
people, who may keep a certain portion of the proceeds for their
own use.
Like every year the intercultural music and dance evening "Beach
Ball Caribic" in Prague was organised by DUHA Rainbow
Association on the occasion of the European-wide Action Week
against Racism.
FINLAND: 50 percent of the immigrants
living in Finland have experienced racism
According to a report
released by the Finnish League for Human Rights on 21st March
2005, racism and ethnic discrimination are still regrettably
common in Finland. Unfortunately, racially motivated crimes often
remain unreported or not investigated carefully. "Almost
70 percent of racist crime victims do not report to the police,"
said one of the report's authors. During an interview with Internet
Centre Anti-Racism Europe, a member of the Finish Red Cross said
that according to a study 50 percent of the immigrants living
in Finland have experienced some kind of racism.
In 2005, Finland again was one of the most active countries during
the European-wide Action Week Against Racism. To highlight the
problem of racism and to find ways to combat the everyday racism,
Finnish Red Cross launched a nation-wide campaign with the title
"Dare to Care". The NGO produced special campaign-postcards.
In Turku a local entrepreneur was awarded for hiring immigrants
to work for his local bus company. Then volunteers went into
a big shopping centre handing roses and the postcards against
racism to passers-by.
"Tampere Says NO to Racism" was the title of a week
of actions organised by RAMUS and Finnish Red Cross' Kotopolku
Project. In the framework of the UNITED campaign the NGOs organised
a broad scale of anti-racist events with music, a multicultural
fashion show, a presentation of a documentary, panel discussions,
services, interactive lessons and intercultural training for
pupils. Throughout the week, the local branch of the national
radio broadcast mini documentaries called "My Tampere",
which featured local immigrants being interviewed in some of
their favourite places in the area.
In the capital Helsinki, a large-scale anti-racist music event
took place on 20th March. An enthusiastic audience of around
600 people enjoyed the concert with well known hip-hop and pop
artists. A video competition "Samaa Maata Equal Ground-
Common Ground" and the award giving ceremony was added to
the concert organised by RASMUS anti-racism network, Finnish
Red Cross (FRC) and others.
The Student Union University of Joensuu also took part in the
UNITED campaign "ACT! Against Racism" by organising
several activities. Small groups of university students from
Jordan, Finland, France, Germany, Russia, Poland and USA held
"multicultural" lessons promoting intercultural understanding
and teaching children new things about their countries and cultures.
A "white paper" commenting on silent racism in Joensuu
was published on an major newspaper in North-Carelia. Also a
refugee reception centre in Kontiomäki was visited by Members
of the Students Union. New ideas of cooperation were developed.
Besides, a multicultural festival in the University of Joensuu
and a drag party in Teatteriklubi took place at the end of the
Action Week.
FRANCE: Racist violence doubled
Around 21st March headlines
in several newspapers and websites in France and elsewhere looked
similar: "Racism: in a alarming dimension; Racist violence
doubled in France"
The Commission Nationale Consultative des Droits de l'Homme (CNCDH)
published a report, which gives reasons to be concerned about
the current situation in France. Racist and antisemitic violence
in France nearly doubled in 2004, hitting its highest level in
a decade and showing no sign of slowing down.
Jews and Muslims were the main victims of the 1565 recorded threats
and violent attacks in 2004, up from 833 a year earlier.
Schools were an area where antisemitic incidents were "very
present" and "antisemitism is becoming established
in a continuous and lasting manner" noted the report.
Threats and attacks against Muslims more than doubled up from
232 to 595 last year, with the majority committed by far-right
supporters.
Also the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI)
reported in February 2005: "Minority groups, including immigrants
and persons with an immigrant background, have to contend with
discrimination especially in access to employment and housing."
To highlight the problem of racism, several French NGOs joined
the European-wide Action Week Against Racism.
A high-level panel meeting in Paris, on the occasion of the "International
Day for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination"
was organised by ECRI. Representatives of many NGOs took part
in this public presentation on use of racist, antisemitic, and
xenophobic arguments in political discourse and role of politicians
in combating racism.
"Cities Against Racism" was the title of the tenth
student festival against racism organised by UNESCO - UN Educational
Scientific & Cultural Organisation and the Association 'Festival
Against Racism and the National Students Union of France'. During
the festival the students defined concrete proposals for a 'Student
Appeal to Fight Against Racism in Cities', which later was presented
to municipal officials, who signed the appeal at the closing
of the festival.
In Paris, the sixth international film festival against exclusion
and for tolerance took place, organised by UNESCO . The festival
was opened with a concert of traditional music. During one week
eighteen films were screened followed by debates with the directors,
actors, film critics and members of various associations, providing
an opportunity to take a closer look at the issues of exclusion
raised in films.
La Fédération International des Ligues des Droits
de l'Homme organised projections, expositions, debates and a
info market with stands on associations defending the human rights
and a book shop, under the title "Universalise the Human
Rights".
GERMANY: Germany failed to implement
EU race anti-discrimination law
In April 2005, the European Court of Justice ruled that Germany
has failed to implement EU race anti-discrimination law.
The European Directive, adopted in 2000, prohibits discrimination
on the grounds of race or ethnic origin in a wide range of areas
including employment, vocational training, education, social
security and healthcare, access to goods and services and housing.
It also requires Member States to designate a body to promote
equal treatment and to provide practical and independent support
to victims of racial discrimination.
The deadline for EU Member States to transpose this Directive
was 19 July 2003. Draft legislation to implement the Directive
is being discussed by the German Parliament, but has not yet
been adopted. But this is not the only problem German authorities
have to deal with. On 13 February 2005 thousands of Nazis and
right-wing extremists met, abusing the commemoration of the bombing
of Dresden. This was the biggest demonstration of right-wing
extremists in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany.
In March the weekly newspaper "Die Zeit" reported that
the number of criminal acts of the right-extremists is on the
rise. In January, on average once in an hour a criminal offence
with right-extremist background was committed.
"Right-wing extremist attitudes are always also connected
with hostility to strangers and racism" the "Interkultureller
Rat in Deutschland," wrote in its brochure concerning the
International Week against Racism. For the fifth time, the "Interkultureller
Rat" organised and co-ordinated a nation-wide campaign in
various cities all over Germany. The project aimed to mobilize
as many people as possible to stand up against racism, hostility
to strangers as well as violence. Schools, youth clubs, museums,
theatres, sport clubs, initiatives, trade unions and other groups
joined the campaign by organising own activities. Around 200
events like concerts, workshops, film projections, performances
promoting tolerance, conferences, information stands, sport activities,
lectures, intercultural lessons, awareness raising events in
schools, demonstrations and exhibitions took place in the framework
of the "All different All equal" campaign of
the "Interkultureller Rat".
In Berlin, the "Beratungsnetzwerk gegen Diskriminierung
und Rassismus" organised a conference with presentations
and forums concerning the daily racism and discrimination as
well as strategies against discrimination. In addition, the "Antidiskriminierungsnetzwerk
Berlin des Türkischen Bundes, Türkische Gemeinde in
Deutschland" und "Werkstatt der Kulturen" organised
a discussion and information activity. The participants had a
chance to talk and to hear about discrimination, the German antidiscrimination
act, consequences for minorities and the actual discussion in
media.
A week of action in a school in Berlin was organised by Urban-Consult
gGmbH. The week was opened with music and two photo exhibitions
"The everyday life of refugees in Berlin" and "The
world experienced through migrants, people with colored skin,
refugees and people without papers". Representatives of
20 high schools, intercultural networks and projects as well
as communal politicians were present.
In the following days pupils discussed in their classes different
themes like their German identity, living together with different
nationalities in Marzahn-Hellersdorf, conflict resolutions through
meditation in schools and Anti-Bias-Training, one concept for
living together peacefully. Also the project "Mobile Intercultural
Education for Schools" was presented to the pupils. The
"Antirassistische Initiative Rostock" got active in
the UNITED campaign and organised the "Second Week of Antiracist
Films" in Rostock. "With the Eyes of the Other One"
was the title of an exhibition in Dresden organised by Friedrich
Ebert Stiftung.
In Pirna, "Aktion Zivilcourage" prepared a meeting
titled "Our Foreign Country", which was followed by
a film demonstration. To demand the lodging right the "Kurdisch-Deutscher
Freundschaftsverein" organised actions and a demonstration
in Erfurt. On 21 March, the International Day for the Elimination
of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, "A Day of Human Dignity"
a lecture in Düsseldorf was organised by "Düsseldorfer
Appell".
GREAT-BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND:
Great Britains' ethnic minorities don't feel British because
of discrimination
The rise of racism
in Great Britain didn't stop in 2005. According to "The
Observer" racist attacks in rural Britain particularly increased.
This is also a reason why a lot of people living for years in
Britain and belonging to an ethnic minority don't see themselves
as British. In an inquiry with prominent members of Britain's
ethnic minority communities about their thoughts about race,
identity and politics, also published on 21st March by "The
Guardian", one person answered: "I don't feel fully
British: non-whites are not yet completely first-class citizens."
During the European-wide Action Week Against Racism the NGO Show
Racism the Red Card Glasgow organised a prize giving ceremony
for the winners of the SRTRC/EIS Schools Competition to promote
the anti-racism cause through art. This was also the official
launch of Show Racism the Red Card's Red Anti-Racism Wristband
with the slogan 'Racism Ban'd", produced by Young Enterprise
Company based in Graeme High School in Falkirk, Scotland.
Further UNITED campaign material was distributed and displayed
by "European Centre for the Study of Migration & Social
Care in Canterbury", "Hounslow Racial Equality Council"
and "Central Youth". On 21 March the Northern Ireland
Human Rights Commission called for more action to stop racist
acts. The press release was a respondance to the escalating rate
of attacks on people from ethnic minorities.
The Commission especially mentions the discrimination of Travellers.
Travellers face discrimination in education, health, and accommodation.
Around 92 percent of Travellers leave school without having any
kind of qualification and only 11 percent are in paid employment.
Even the live expectancy for Travellers is around 10 years less
compared to the whole population of Ireland. According to the
Commission, little progress has been made to improve the situation.
Also the level of human rights protections accorded to Travellers
has to date been wholly unsatisfactory.
GREECE: Knock down the Walls of
Discrimination
"Greek authorities
are more ready to recognise the existence of minority groups
in Greece, such as the Pomaks or the Roma, including the fact
that certain members of these groups have a native language other
than Greek", notes the European Commission Against Racism
and Intolerance (ECRI) in a report on Greece published in 2004.
However, other minority groups like Macedonians and Turks still
face difficulties.
Persons wishing to express their Macedonian, Turkish or other
identity are confronted with the hostility of the population.
"They are targets of prejudices and stereotypes, and sometimes
face discrimination, especially in the labour market." ECRI
writes in the report.
But also media expresses certain prejudices and negative stereotypes
towards members of minority groups such as Roma, Jews, immigrants,
especially Albanians, refugees and asylum seekers, as well as
members of other minority groups.
To "Knock down the Wall of Discrimination" the Hellenic
Youth Council of Greece (ESYN) joined the "ACT! Against
Racism" campaign. Manifestations were organised in Athens,
Thessalonica, Serres and Crete during which activists and participants
as well as popular people and politicians wrote anti-racist slogans
on a wall. In Athens and in Thessalonica politicians, famous
singers, athletes and actors knocked down a big wall, separate
from the one with the antiracism slogans. In addition, workshops,
a poster exhibition, a painting competition and radio programmes
took place in Thessalonica, Athens and Serres. T.V. programmes
in Thessalonica and Athens reported on the actions.
In Athens on 21 March, the "Festival for the International
Day Against Racism" took place, including a rock and hip
hop concert. Six bands with musicians from different countries
such as Albania and Africa performed during the concert organised
by RIGMA - Social Anti-racist Cultural Movement together with
the gallery "Ash In Art". In addition to the concert,
film projections, a theatre play, a photo exhibition as well
as a book exhibition were presented to the participants to remind
everybody that tolerance and respect are important for a 'rich'
and beautiful country.
The Greek Helsinki Monitor / Minority Rights Group organised
a presentation of detailed reports on discrimination and other
human rights concerns in Greece.
HUNGARY: National co-ordinators
of Action Week stimulate hundreds of activities
In May 2005 the European
Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) urged Hungarian authorities to make
public standards on investigating crime to determine whether
they are racially motivated. This was the reaction on of a stabbing
of a Romani teenager in Budapest. According to reports widely
circulated in the Hungarian media, on 8 May 2005, a fifteen-year
old Romani was stabbed in the stomach by one of a group of six
persons, shortly after he boarded a bus with two non-Romani friends.
The perpetrator as well as the group of six persons in his company
was reportedly dressed in uniform, helmet and boot, and some
were equipped with shields. "The attacker reportedly singled
out [...](the Romani boy) from among a bus full of persons who
had taken notice of the group and stabbed him after shouting
'What are you staring at?'" the ERRC wrote in a letter to
the Minister of Interior and the Head of the National Police.
According to this letter the attacker and his companions managed
to flee. The Romani boy was injured and was brought to hospital.
ERRC criticized that after the attack "police authorities
have downplayed the role of race in a serious physical assault".
The police authorities have "reportedly stated that they
have not yet clearly established that the crime was perpetrated
out of racial animus".
Also this year Hungarian NGOs joined the European-wide Action
Week. In Budapest, a festival with a press meeting, a table discussion,
live broadcast on the radio, a tolerance training, an exhibition,
a drum concert with residents of an refugee camp and the projection
of documentaries about immigration and refugees took place. With
this activity the "Foundation of Subjective Values - Szubjektiv
Ertekek Alapitvany" intended to raise awareness on the struggle
against racism and its tools as well as on the situation and
the problems of immigrants and refugees.
The Mahatma Gandhi Human Rights Movement organised a forum with
a cultural program, dance teaching, a football tournament, a
market and an exhibition in Budapest.
The annual "Radnoti Award" event, for people who are
active against racism in public life, was again organised by
the Hungarian Federation of Resistance Fighters and Antifascists.
"All Related, All Different" was the title of a campaign
with an exhibition, lectures and a conference of European headmasters
on autonomous and social learning organised by Webportal Civic
Education Civic-edu.net.
LATVIA: Experience the tunnel of racism
"Racism rears
its ugly head" was the headline of a detailed article about
racism in Latvia. "The Baltic Times" published it soon
after the European-wide Action Week against Racism. Recently
hate-filled racist graffiti, including messages like "white
power" and swastikas, were daubed on walls in the capital
city of Riga. Also the "visible presence of skinheads"
increased according to the newspaper article. "Far worse,
however, is that the hatred has gone beyond words and manifested
itself in violent outbursts against dark-skinned foreigners.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the number of attacks has risen
in recent months" comments the article, also giving an example
of a recent assault on a Sikh chef, which occurred in daylight
in the Old Town of Riga. "No one came to the victim's aid,
either during the molestation or afterward". A man of African
descent said during an interview with "The Baltic Times":
"I feel uncomfortable walking around here. I know there
are these groups out there". The intolerance towards Africans,
Chinese, Central Asians and especially Muslims is growing according
to the newspaper. During the European-wide Action Week against
Racism several NGOs organised activities in order to fight those
tendencies of hatred, racism and discrimination. The European
Youth Human Rights Network in cooperation with Youth National
Minority Program "Zelta Kamoli" (Golden Ball) and the
Secretariat of the Minister for Social Integration organised
several activities within the framework of the UNITED "ACT!
Against Racism" campaign. A seminar for teachers about intercultural
education, racism in schools and the problems of discrimination
in Latvia and Europe took place in Riga as well as the seminar
"Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination" for headmasters.
A big street exhibition of fingerprints with the name "Fortunately
- we are all different" was organised. Passers-by could
also give their own fingerprints as a symbol of the support for
the fight against racism. People were also offered to pass through
a tunnel with graffiti with messages like "Go Home"
or "We don't need you" drawn on the inside wall of
the tunnel. At the end of the tunnel they were asked to share
their impressions. A feeling of isolation and pressure was described
but most of the people had the opinion that there is no racism
in Latvia. Most respondents themselves expressed hatred towards
at least one ethnic minority living in Latvia. Furthermore, a
cultural competition "Get Acquainted with the Variety of
the Culture", a discussion for young people with the themes
such as racism, xenophobia and discrimination in Latvia and a
basketball tournament against racism was organised. Latvian Anti-Fascist
Action distributed antiracism posters in Riga.
REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA: Learning from the past
Macedonian communities
are strictly dived along ethnic lines. According to the European
Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) the ethnicity
is seen as "the primary determining factor of belonging
(...) [and] As a consequence there is little or no space or acceptance
for those who are of mixed ethnicity". Children of 'mixed'
marriage could help to build bridges between the different ethnic
groups. But instead they are seen not belonging fully to either
ethnic community. They are excluded and becoming victims of intolerance,
discrimination and rejection by both 'sides'. "Thus, for
instance, ECRI has received reports of acts of harassment by
police or fellow citizens of Muslims of Macedonian ethnicity
or Catholics of Albanian ethnicity". Also the ethnic minority
of Roma faces discrimination for example through the media. "There
are particular problems as concern reporting about the Roma"
ECRI reports. "The media is increasingly promoting harmful
representations of Roma" by mentioning Roma in connection
with criminality and illicit activities. But that is just one
of the many problems Roma, living in Macedonia, have to deal
with. They suffer from "economic and social disadvantage,
aggravated by changing economic conditions discrimination and
insufficient attention by the authorities" ECRI points out.
To raise awareness on racism in Macedonia the Council for Prevention
of Juvenile Delinquency and Children and Youth Center "Babylon"
participated in the European-wide Action Week Against Racism
and prepared several events in Kavadarci. To show different forms
of racism in different parts of the world during the last centuries
an exhibition was organised. Through photographs, texts, quotations,
biographies and drawings different parts of history were reflected.
For example the colonialism and the murder on Indian people in
North and South America, colonialism in Africa, slavery, genocide
in Armenia in 1915, Nazism, fascism and genocide during Second
World War and Apartheid in South Africa were some of the themes.
Also the discrimination of Roma was reflected in the exhibition.
"We have to focus and understand what happened during the
past to have a better comprehension of the present, in order
not to produce the same mistakes in our future and in the future
of our children." a member of the Council for Prevention
of Juvenile Delinquency and Children wrote.
During the opening ceremony of the exhibition, young members
of the NGO performed a theatre play with the main topic "We
are all different but all equal." To raise awareness in
schools to this issue, activists visited classes and talked to
them or invited pupils directly to the exhibition. In addition,
movies dealing with the topic of racism were projected in schools
and other places. The movies were always followed by discussions
and debates with the young people.
NETHERLANDS: Dutch NGOs united their
forces to fight against growing racism
In November 2004 the
Netherlands was confronted with a wave of xenophobic, racist
and extreme-right incidents, after the murder of the Dutch filmmaker
Theo van Gogh. According to a press release by the Bureau Discriminatiezaken
West Brabant (ADB) published on 21 March, the International Day
for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, 174
cases of such racist and extremist acts were reported. The total
number of complaints and reports the ADB registered in 2004,
rose at more than 71 per cent compared to 2003. At the beginning
of 2005 the situation remained tense. 'Samen Tegen Racisme' (Together
against Racism) reported that on 27 March an Islamic primary
school in Uden was set on fire again. On 9 November 2004, the
day of the 'Kristallnacht' commemoration, the same school had
been damaged due to arson and messages like 'White Power' and
'Theo R.I.P.' had been daubed on the walls. To fight those tendencies
of racism, extremism and intolerance a lot of Dutch NGOs joined
their forces and organised big campaigns. 'Samen Tegen Racisme'
was launched to create a solidarity movement to beat back racism
in all its forms. Also several Moroccan organisations united
and formed the 'Platform Allemaal Anders, Allemaal Gelijk' (All
Different, All Equal), which organised a big 'Action Week against
Racism and Intolerance' campaign. All over the Netherlands school
events, debates, cultural parties, evenings and snacks, film
projections, sport activities and festivals took place.
The Netherlands was one of the most active countries in the European-wide
Action Week Against Racism in 2005. Big demonstrations in Amsterdam
and Rotterdam were organised.
In some cities like Eindhoven and Purmerend many NGOs jointly
organised festivals aiming to promote cultural diversity and
understanding. In Eindhoven 'Eindhoven Samen Tegen Racisme' an
initiative of 70 organisations and institutions organised a week
of activities and turned the industrial City of Eindhoven into
a "Colourful City 2005". People of many different origins
came together to enjoy music, dance, sport and cultural program,
film, literature and many other activities. "I think that
everybody here wants to show how it also can be", a participant
said.
During the "Travel Around the World through the Zaanstreek"
everybody interested had the opportunity to join activities such
as a bike and bus tour or a tour by boat with music and storytellers
for children. Also cabaret, exhibitions and workshops were organised
by the Bureau Discrimi-natiezaken Zaanstreek Purmerend.
The South African State Secretary of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba
received the Rotterdamse Jongeren Raad (RJR)Antidiscrimination
Award for the South African President Mbeki. During the ceremony
artists from all over the world performed in a cultural show.
Singers, rappers, bands and dancers gave their best to show their
respect to all victims of racial discrimination.
In Amsterdam a dinner with national and local politicians as
well as Dutch celebrities and refugees was organised by Amsterdams
Solidariteits Komitee Vluchtelingen / SV and others. After the
dinner the politicians offered a lodging at their places and
took up refugees who have no home in Amsterdam. An initiative
was supported for a general pardon for 26.000 refugees who have
waited already longer than four years for a residence permit.
Apart from that a lot more small and large-scale activities were
organised in the Netherlands.
POLAND: Campaign against racist,
antisemitic and xenophobic publications
Racist, antisemitic
and xenophobic publications are very common in Poland. Even within
mass media they are no exception. Newspapers spreading antisemitism
and racism are practically everywhere available, even in a mainstream
Polish newspaper stand.
"Never Again" Association and Anti-Nazi Group (GAN)
Warszawa together with London-based "Searchlight"
antifascist organization organised a protest against the distribution
of racist newspapers, such as "Szczerbiec" which is
an organ of the neo-fascist party National Rebirth of Poland
and "Tylko Polska" which is distributed by a state-owned
company called "Ruch".
A picket took place in front of the Parliament. Signatures under
the petition demanding a ban for such publications addressed
to the "Ruch"s manager where gathered. In addition,
information was given to the media representatives. Articles
supporting the action where published in some daily newspapers
and special radio programmes were aired by TOK FM, Radio Koszalin,
Jazz Radio and Radiostacja . Even Teleexpress - a popular news
service shown on TVP1 mentioned the action.
In Wroclaw, students from Film School shot a new video for one
of the most popular Polish rock bands of these days - Big Cyc.
The clip illustrates the song "One for all, all for one",
which reflects the band's protest against racism and violence
growing on football stadiums across Poland. The video, which
can now be seen on Polish TV, is a proof of the band's support
for "Let's Kick Racism Out of the Stadiums" campaign
launched by "Never Again" Association.
Anti-Nazi Group (GAN) Kraków organised in cooperation
with local Polska Akcja Humanitarna a concert called "Reggae
Against Racism". Apart from the performances the audience
were also very interested in GAN's info desk, open during the
evening.
On 21 March, a conference about the fight against racism took
place in Krakow. The outcome of the conference, organised by
Polish Humanitarian Organisation - Polska Akcja Humanitarna (PAH)
and Austriackie Forum Kultury, is a project "Krakow Against
Discrimination" whose first aim is to unite Krakow organisations
in their actions.
"Get friends with Tolerance!" was the title of a workshop
and a drum concert in Torun organised by PAH. The workshop for
pupils aimed to promote tolerant attitude towards people with
different cultures. In Wroclaw, PAH organised services in Evangelic,
Orthodox and Catholic churches as well as an information stand,
distribution of leaflets, UNITED and 'Never Again' Association
posters and film projections.
A workshop called "Others, but not strangers" took
place in Oswiecim (Auschwitz). It was organised by "Never
Again" Association Oswiecim and the International
House Of Youth Meetings. Discussions and exercises helped to
find definitions of xenophobia, racism, tolerance. The participants
could realise what tolerance or a lack of tolerance really means
for others by joining a happenning, during which a group of young
people marched trough the city wearing self-made masks on their
faces and carrying transparents with names of national, ethnic,
sexual and religious minorities.
In Poznan, volunteers from Stowarzyszenie "Jeden Swiat",
One World Association distributed leaflets around all major pubs
and displayed posters in pubs, universities and the city information
office.
ROMANIA: Night of sport against
racism
"Roma, and other minorities were subject to various forms
of discrimination", notes the Divers Bulletin in an article
referring to the US Human Rights Report for Romania for 2004.
Some Romanian schools segregated Roma children according to the
article, published in March 2005. Several NGOs monitored such
situations. Following to their complaints, the Ministry of Education
prohibited segregation in schools by a notification, which was
not legally binding.
Also the employment situation of Roma remains difficult. According
to the government, only 27 percent of Roma have steady jobs and
only half of those jobs are considered skilled.
The Media is using images reflecting stereotypes and themes like
illegal migration and police raids in Roma communities which
is producing a negative attitude towards Roma population. Further
"Romani groups complained that police brutality, including
beatings and harassment, was routine".
To raise awareness on the issues of racism and discrimination
in Romania and Europe, Romanian NGOs joined the UNITED "Act!
Against Racism!" campaign. Youth Action for Peace - Romania
Oradea (YAP) organised workshops for pupils in a high school
in Oradea. Also an exhibition with postcards on which young people
could express their opinions about ways of fighting racism and
what changes they want to make in the society as well as a press
conference took place. Another activity organised by YAP
Oradea was the interactive puppets show "Me, racist?".
In Cluj-Napoca, YAP-Romania also arranged a week of action with
activities like a press conference, antiracist film projections,
painting contest with an exhibition and a theatre play. A "Night
of Sport Against Racism" with a swimming contest and water
pool match with the participation of foreign students marked
the end of the action week. Five radio stations in Cluj-Napoca
reported on the "Anti-Racism Week" and broadcast short
presentations of the events and arranged a contest offering movie
tickets.
In four big high schools of Bucharest, an information campaign
called "ACT! Against Racism" was organised by Romanian
Forum for Refugees and Migrants and Bucharest Youth Foundation.
Romanian and refugee volunteers distributed flyers, leaflets
and posters with antiracist massages, information for example
about 21 March. In addition, an afternoon with presentations
of traditional dances was arranged.
The Romanian National Council for Refugees (CNRR) distributed
information in the city of Bucharest, the University and asylum
seekers and refugees' centres. On the occasion of the International
Day for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
the CNRR organised a debate.
In Craiova the "Initiativa Autonoma 2005" produced
and distributed posters and stickers against a Romanian nationalist
organisation 'Noua Dreapta' and also UNITED posters were displayed
in the city.
RUSSIA: Mass media portray a negative
image of ethnic minorities
"Big issues of
Russia concerning racism are mainly problems with the mass media
and the negative image that they portray of ethnic minorities",
explained a member from Center for Interethnic Cooperation during
an interview with Internet Centre Anti Racism Europe on 21 March.
In Russia xenophobic literature is printed and distributed in
large quantities. Practically all nationalistic organisations
have their journals and Internet sites. But 'hate speech' towards
'aliens' is not just used in nationalistic publications. Turning
into common journalistic practice it has penetrated into nearly
all mass media. In this case even respectable periodicals constitute
no exception. They "publish materials presenting migrants
from the Caucasus, Gypsies and Tajiks as totally criminal nations,
terrorists' accomplices and drug dealers" according to a
review on 'Civil Rights Issued in Contemporary Russia' prepared
by the Moscow Bureau for Human Rights (MBHR). This is also a
reason for the level of xenophobia in Russia continuing to be
extremely high. The review reports, "According to different
sociological surveys, 60 to 80 per cent of the population adheres
to some extent to nationalistic and xenophobic views".
Another Russian problem, which one can conclude from the report
'Skinheads in contemporary Russia" by the MBHR, is the growing
youth nationalistic skinhead movement. Experts estimate the number
of skinheads in the Russian Federation at
50 000, while their number in the rest the world is less than
70 000. In 2004, Russian skinheads committed 40 murders and hundreds
of attacks on ethnic grounds registered by the police. "It's
inadmissible to continue sitting and doing nothing (...) At least
every month we receive news about killing innocent people - students,
children, who differ from the majority of people only by the
colour of their skin" commented a leader of 'Yabloko' party
who was active on the occasion of 21 March.
Many NGOs in cities all over Russia joined the UNITED campaign
by organising a variety of events.
In Moscow, the Center for Interethnic Cooperation (CIC) arranged
a couple of youth activities. Representatives of the CIC as well
as leaders of several ethnic youth organisation participated
in the press conference "We Have Won the War, But We Have
Not Defeated Racism". The participants told journalists
about their experience with discrimination of ethnic minorities
and stressed the necessity to fight racism in Russian society.
In addition a round-table meeting "Fight Against Racism:
What Can Youth Organisations Do?" took place with representatives
of several national youth organisations from Moscow and Saint
Petersburg and students from Moscow university.
Within the framework of the UNITED Antiracism Action Week the
Youth Human Rights Movement (YHRM) co-coordinated a number of
events in Moscow, Petrozavodsk (Karelia), St Petersburg, Voronezh,
Ulyanovsk, Krasnodar and Rostov-on-Don. The Youth Human Rights
Group - Karelia / Anti-fascist Centre organised an action under
the motto "Down with Racism" on 21 March. In the presence
of the wonder-struck public, two men of straw were burnt: one
symbolized "a mass stereotype" and another "racial
discrimination". Participants of this action commented,
"Remarks of fascist character, swastikas on the walls of
buildings at least in every district of the city- are a great
shame for Petrozavodsk. And this year, when we are celebrating
the 60th anniversary of Victory we wanted everybody to think
about the world where we live in, to realize the fact that often
people are guided by the stereotypes and clichés, which
have nothing in common with reality."
In Saint Petersburg, the city with the largest registered skinhead
presence, several activities such as an antifascist procession
took place. During this action three activists of the St. Petersburg
department of the Party of Soldiers' Mothers were detained under
the pretext of crossing the street in the wrong place.
The Humanitarian Organisation - Icumbi Hospitality organised
the round table "Say NO to Racism!" in collaboration
with the Electro-technical University of St Petersburg. During
the discussion the participants talked about racial prejudices,
xenophobia and the growth of the extremists groups.
On 21 March YHRM activists from Voronezh, Rostov-on-Don, Cheljabinsk
and Ufa (Bashkortostan) took part in the interregional informational
action "Stop Racism".
The participants arrayed themselves into attire, made of paper,
which read: "Tolerance Forever" and "Stop Racism!"
The participants of the action were distributing UNITED posters
and antifascist stickers on the streets of Voronezh. Besides,
on that day mass media in Voronezh received a booklet "Freedom
of speech, political and journalistic ethics and 'the language
of hostility'", which was published by YHRM together with
the Russian Net of NGOs against racism. During the whole week,
lessons in public schools on the subject of cross-cultural interaction
were organised by Russian activists together with volunteers
from France, Spain and Austria.
SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO: Serbia &
Montenegro: Raising voices against racism
"To date there
have been no trials in Serbia and Montenegro of senior military
or political officials for war crimes or crimes against humanity
in connection with the Yugoslav conflicts. Many of those responsible
for abductions and murders of Bosnian Muslims and Kosovo Albanians
remain unpunished" wrote Amnesty International in a press
release on 22 March 2005. However, in June the public was shocked
by a ten-year-old video showing elite soldiers brutally executing
six Moslems in Bosnian Srebrenica during the Bosnia war. So far
the massacre of Srebrenica was a taboo in Serbia. The fact that
Bosnian-Serbian armed forces with the help of Belgrade logistics
brutally executed approximately 8000 Muslims and that it was
thoroughly prepared was not reported in Serbia.
Around one week before the video was published the Serbian television
showed an inquiry demonstrating that only half of all Serbs believed
in a crime in Srebrenica at all. Two thirds of the polled saw
the alleged war criminals Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic still
as Serbian heroes. After the video became public the authorities
announced first arrests of the soldiers, which could be seen
in the film.
Concerning the European-wide Action Week Against Racism the Center
for Cultural Decontamination, Lawyers' Committee for Human Rights
YUCOM, Humanitarian Law Fund, Youth Initiative, Belgrade
Circle - Balkan NGO Centre, Civic Initiatives - Gradanske Inicijative,
Serbian Helsinki Committee for Human Rights and Women in Black
- Zene u Crnom wrote in their report about their common activities
"Today, unfortunately, Serbia has many reasons to join this
action. The latest roll-call and creation of a list of Jews is
just one more in a series of fascistic manifestations, which
give us a great cause to talk about the appearance of racism
in Serbia and to raise our voices against the conspiracy of silence
of the state and its institutions, but also against intellectuals."
The NGOs organised a manifestation and collecting signatures
for the petition "Let's Break the Conspiracy of Silence"
at the main square of Belgrade. In addition, the performance
'Fascistic Dark to the Corner, Part 2' and distribution of leaflets
was arranged to show the causes and consequences of the more
frequent and wide-spread demonstration of racist attitudes and
behaviour, as well as other forms of discrimination against fellow-citizens
and friends.
Within the framework of the UNITED campaign volunteers of the
Resource Centre Negotin - Resurs Centar Negotin distributed leaflets
and hung up UNITED posters around the town of Negotin. A local
TV station reported the event.
In Uzice, Center for Human Rights & Democracy Uzice
organised a street campaign and raised media attention to the
issue of racism.
SPAIN: Racially
motivated crimes rose around 13 percent in the last year
"Zero Tolerance
for Racism" the governing socialist party (PSOE) demanded
in a manifesto concerning the International Day for the Elimination
of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. In addition, a rise of
racism in Spain was admitted. Immediately an "integrated
plan" was announced to fight against each "form of
racism and xenophobia". But according to an article published
on indymedia.org this is not the first step on the way to combat
racism in Spain. First of all the use of existing laws and human
rights should be demanded. ECRI criticized that racism is promoted
already by the "inadequate application" of the existing
legal forms.
In addition, during public debates arguments and images which
produce a negative attitude towards immigration are used. Immigrants
are often named in connection to criminality. 46 percent of all
arrested are immigrants. This statistics serves to "prove"
immigrant criminality. But according to ECRI the numbers are
"disproportional" because the arrests stand in no relation
to later judgements.
A study by SOS Racismo showed that the number of racially motivated
attacks rose around 13 percent in one year of socialist government.
Only 26 per cent of the incidents were reported to law enforcement.
To demonstrate that such tendencies cannot be accepted several
Spanish NGOs got active in the European-wide Action Week Against
Racism. A "Week of the Fight Against Racism and Discrimination"
was organised by SOS Racismo in Madrid. During conferences and
round tables participants discussed the history of the antiracist,
feminist and homosexual movement and the fight for civil rights.
Other themes were islamophobia, racist outbreaks in several areas
in Spain, as well as SOS Racismo and its fight for human rights
in Spain. A competition of short movies and photographs against
racism was arranged and the results were exhibited. At the end
of the Action Week a closing ceremony party took place with prizes
and certifications for the winners of the competition.
"Colectivo de Prevención e Inserción Social
Andalucia "(CEPA) motivated football fans to prepare banners
with antiracist massages. In the five Spanish stadiums, Tenierife,
La Coruña, Vigo, Murcia and Cádiz banners were
shown. Before the beginning of a match in Cádiz, volunteers
collected signatures in favour of a legalization of immigrants.
In the city centre of Zaragoza, a demonstration against racism
especially in sports took place organised by Citizens' Initiative
CONVIVE - Iniciativa Ciudadana and several immigrant associations.
Also football players were involved in the action. In the centre
of Barbasto, Aragón CONVIVE arranged the art exhibition
titled "Learning to Live Together".
"Chocolate Against Racism" was a creative action organised
in Barcelona. A traditional pastry shop was decorated with 300
(around 500 kilo) coloured pieces of chocolate. Different words
in favour of peace, equality, tolerance and solidarity were written
on the pieces in several languages like Catalan, Hebrew and English.
On 21 March, Movimiento Contra la Intolerancia Malaga recorded
a radio program of several hours with participation of immigrants
of cultures and origins. During the program the immigrants had
a chance to express their restlessness, vindications, experiences
and hopes.
OTHER COUNTRIES: Many actions
In Cyprus, "Action
for Equality - Support Antiracism" organised a week
of action against racism in Nicosia, to raise awareness of the
mistreatment of migrants. KISA organised projections of the movie
"Kalabush", which were followed by a discussion with
the movie's director.
The Interethnic Initiative for Human Rights (IEI) Foundation
and its network of partner organisations, organised several activities
in over 50 localities in Bulgaria during the European-wide Action
Week Against Racism. For example school debates, competitions,
round tables, exhibitions and sports days took place. A big media
campaign was also organised. A campaign TV clip produces by IEI
Foundation was broadcast on Television. Moreover, the events
during the week were reported in regional and local newspapers,
radio and TV.
In Luxemburg, the Comité de Liaison et d'Action des Etrangers
initiated the "22nd
Festival of Migration, Cultures and Citizenship". For two
days visitors could enjoy concerts and entertainment, participate
in discussions, listen to lectures and collect impressions during
an exhibition.
An Action Week against Racism in Slovakia was organised by "People
Against Racism - Ludia Proti Rasizmu". The NGO motivated
several schools and local groups to join the week. Anti-racist
films were showed , information stands were organised and posters
were distributed by local groups. Besides, the presentation of
the new book "Myth and Prejudices" of People Against
Racism took place.
The Italian NGO Associazione Rieti Immigrant-Provincia (ARI)
organised anti-racist youth work in schools with intercultural
games, projection of documentaries and refugee testimonies.
Loesje Slovenia organised creative text writing workshops
in Slovenian youth centres, schools and universities. During
the workshops participants made anti-racist slogans.
In Hungary, a belly dance show, a lecture and discussion as well
as an art competition of caricatures, comics, posters and postcards
was organised by Eurasia Non-governmental Youth Organization.
To mark together the Week Against Racism and to demonstrate a
strong movement NCCRI organised a nation-wide campaign. Organisation
could join the campaign by organising own activities. Many events
for example a Chinese spring or multicultural food festival,
conferences and activities for children, took place in various
cities all over Ireland.
On 21 March, a number of political youth and humanitarian organisations,
youth schools and groups organised an anti-racism day in Odense,
Denmark. "Fight against Xenophobia" was the theme of
the activities. The NGO Ungdomshuset / Korsløkke Ungdomsskule
opened its doors for visitors to enjoy African and Middle Eastern
delicacies, information stands, a lecture and live jazz music.
In the evening, a concert from the Middle East Peace Orchestra
took place. The performed music had elements from the classical
Arab music, Middle Eastern "Makam" and from Jewish
"Klezmer".
NGOs were also active in Albania, Austria, Belarus, Croatia,
Estonia, Georgia, Iceland, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Malta, Moldova, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and Uzbekistan.
In total 45 countries made this year's UNITED campaign one of
the broadest and most successful campaigns ever.
See the complete List of Activities!
Up
Order the
printed version (with many pictures and press clippings) of the
report at:
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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