ENAR and UNITED for Intercultural Action: The charter for political parties for a non-racist society: a message for elections

On the occasion of
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination,

ENAR and

UNITED for Intercultural Action call upon political parties across Europe to
re-affirm the principles of the Charter for political parties for a non-racist
society and to speak clearly against racism and other forms of discrimination
against minorities.

We call upon the EU Member State governments, the European Parliament and the
European Commission to organize an event preceding the EU elections on what
strategies and policies are needed to assure everyone’s rightful position in the
EU. We have dreams to make true. We also have nightmares to prevent.

Indeed, although the apartheid system no longer exists today, racism has far
from disappeared. And nationalist and populist tendencies have been increasing (again)
in the last decade.

In light of the economic crisis we are facing, populist remarks may seem
insignificant. But racism and open hostility towards minorities (of any kind)
are assured companions of social tensions. We are in a time of great social
tensions. Already we are seeing the effects in some EU Member States, where
there is open violence by some political parties against migrants.

This is so strongly felt that only a few weeks ago, Mr Juncker, former chair of
the Euro Group, warned against nationalistic tendencies, linking them to even
greater dangers. He echoed the words of Mr Van Rompuy who issued the same
message two years earlier.

Next year, elections campaigns will be launched for a new European Parliament.
Some political parties and movements are already using anti-European feelings
and nationalist feelings to gain support. This is why it is essential that all
political parties take a strong and courageous stance against racism and
discrimination and for equality for all people living in Europe.