“I join people around the world to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Far too many people continue to be discriminated against because of the colour of their skin or their ethnic background. The situation in Europe is particularly disturbing as populist and nationalist movements are on the rise. Migrants and refugees are among the first victims of this worrying trend and are often targeted or used as a scapegoat.
Fighting racism is today more important than ever. Everybody has a role to play, primarily we politicians and public figures, undertaking a particular responsibility to maintain the strength of our open European societies and to build communities inclusive of all people, without discrimination.
We have a collective duty to stand against racism and all forms of discrimination whenever and wherever they occur. The Council of Europe is, and will remain, an important stakeholder actively promoting the fundamental equality between all human beings”.
See also:
- Manual for educators and youth activists “We CAN! Taking Action against Hate Speech through Counter and Alternative Narratives” launched by the Council of Europe’s campaign No Hate Speech Movement
- Education to promote inclusion and mutual respect essential to counter hate speech, say heads of European human rights institutions on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
- Podcast - Interview with Christian Ahlund, Chairperson of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) - Transcription of the podcast