From 18-26 March, hundreds of activities will take place all over Europe to protest against racism and advocate for open, inclusive, and UNITED societies.
Organisations all over Europe are preparing activities to mark the European Action Week Against Racism. Organised by UNITED for Intercultural Action, a European network of antiracist NGOs, this annual campaign sees civil society groups, educational institutions and city governments come together to protest against racism and celebrate the diversity that enriches European societies.
In light of the divisive political rhetoric that has gripped Europe in recent years, the message of the 2017 Action Week campaign is simple: Don’t be divided, Stay UNITED!
“We are living in a time where the core ideas of European culture and identity are questioned and there is a confusion of values.” Said UNITED Programme Coordinator Balint Josa. “UNITED believes in solidarity and equality, and the possibility of different identities living in peace together. Taking action in defence of these ideas is the responsibility of everyone, so it’s vital that as many people as possible take part in activities organised by our network to mark this important annual campaign.”
The campaign is based around 21 March, the anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa in 1960, which in 1966 was recognised by the UN as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. UNITED has been coordinating an annual antiracism campaign around this date since 1993.
You can find more information about the campaign, including an interactive map showing the hundreds of activities taking place across Europe, and the city governments who have joined the campaign, at www.weekagainstracism.eu
