Call for strong stand against racism

The Council of Europe's European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), the European Union's European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia (EUMC), and the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) have called on everyone to take a strong stand against racism.

The call came in a statement issued on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is commemorated today.

"We must remain vigilant and ready to take action against those who wish to divide and undermine our societies on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief. All forms of racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, anti-Gypsyism, anti-Black racism, Islamophobia or other forms of discrimination, whether individual or institutional, must be confronted head on. A hate-motivated crime against members of one group is a crime against us all," the statement said.

"The firm rejection of the racist ideology is an imperative for us all. Equality, justice and respect for the human rights of all are common threads in our societies which reinforce the fight against racism. They are a central part of our commitment to each other. It is not just a matter for institutional action.

"We must remain united in the fight against racism and win. We are damaging our future and denying our common values if we allow the racists to create an agenda in which their actions are acceptable," they said.