UNITED Press Release 21-03-2014 We fit together! European-wide Action Week Against Racism – 15-23 March 2014 Diversity = strength
In this European Action Week Against Racism more than 1500 actions are organised by grass-roots organisations and different groups in 47 European countries. Through these activities 100.000s of people speak out against racism, discrimination, intolerance and for diversity. Several cities throughout Europe have also joined the campaign by speaking out against racism, by supporting and organising activities in their cities, hanging posters in billboards, etc. Follow the campaign on our facebookpage (www.facebook.com/UnitedActionWeek). Follow #ARW14 on twitter (www.twitter.com/search?q=%23ARW14&src=typd) and see where you can JOIN an activity on www.weekagainstracism.eu. Erik Ullenhag, Swedish Minister for Integration spoke out against racism: “We all have a responsibility to fight intolerance but of course political leaders have a special responsibility. We need to stand up and take the debate in order to protect and promote the open society.”
Why 21 March? Europe is today facing many forms of racism, hate speech, xenophobia, anti-migrant attitude and a growth of right-wing populism.
See the Strength in Diversity! We can counter this negative spiral. During the European Action Week Against Racism we spread our own message of solidarity, and show Europe that diversity makes us stronger. This is the moment to make our voice heard and change the current atmosphere. 21 March is the International Day for the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination, established by The General Assembly of the United Nations in 1966 following the brutal murder of 69 protestors in the South African township of Sharpeville in 1960. The massacre occurred while they had gathered to protest against the apartheid laws of the South African government, a regime systematically enforcing racial inequality and segregation. Today racist murders and violence are still commonplace and racial discrimination continues to creep into every corner of our societies.
UNITED for Intercultural Action The campaign is coordinated by ‘UNITED for Intercultural Action’ – the European network against nationalism, racism, fascism and in support of migrants and refugees.
Press material: City representatives who joined the campaign: http://weekagainstracism.eu/cities/ Follow the European Week Against Racism on facebook: facebook.com/UnitedActionWeek Follow the European Week Against Racism on Twitter: #ARW14 Campaign material: http://weekagainstracism.eu/about/campaign-materials/ UNITED website: http://www.unitedagainstracism.org For further information, contact: UNITED for Intercultural Action phone +31-20-6834778 – fax +31-20-6834582 |
