ENAR’s 2010 message for International Day Against Racism: Reveal Europe’s ‘hidden talents’!
On 21 March the world will celebrate “International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination”1. This year, the European Network Against Racism (ENAR) takes the opportunity of this symbolic day to underline the importance of achieving more equality for and maximising the potential and skills of all members of European society, including ethnic and religious minorities. In times of economic crisis, the dangers of increasing racism and xenophobia, fuelled in part by rising unemployment, insecurity about the future and a growing number of populist political discourses, are very real. In this context, ENAR believes that fighting inequalities and ensuring the protection of rights will benefit all workers, not just migrant and ethnic and religious minority workers, and will guarantee social cohesion.
In addition, a number of untapped ‘hidden talents’ among ethnic and religious minorities across the EU are not being fully utilised because public rhetoric increasingly paints a picture of the diversity of migrants and ethnic and religious minorities’ culture as a threat to the dominant identity of Europe. Likewise, restrictive legislation, particularly on migration, sends out a strong message of exclusion.
Yet the consequences of not maximising the potential and talents of ethnic and religious minorities and the immigrant population could be considerable. Society at large must therefore recognise the vital importance of equality and diversity to a vibrant and prosperous society and economy. Mohammed Aziz, ENAR President, said: “We must start to accept that ethnic and religious minorities make a daily contribution to the economic, social, cultural, civil and political life of Europe instead of seeing them as a burden or worse, as a threat. A positive narrative that values and maximises their currently unvalued skills and attributes would significantly contribute to the prosperity of European society and economy.”
Related articles:
- ERGO Network: Roma Week 2022 at the EP was the biggest meeting yet between EU politicians and Romani representatives
- Slovak MEP of Romani origin Peter Pollák: It is incomprehensible that the Czech Republic is unable to help a few hundred Romani refugees from Ukraine at the Prague railway station
- Commissioner Jourová, awarding Andalusia prize for the EU Capital of Diversity and Inclusion: Roma are hardest hit during crises
- EU agrees rules to regulate social media content
- DEADLINE 31 JANUARY: Call to contribute to the Roma Civil Monitor 2021-2025 project
- The disinformation war in 2021: Main targets were Ukraine, COVID-19, and who is responsible for refugees
- Czech lower house to review Govt agreement with expansion of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency, which advises on racism and other matters
- Czech biologist says COVID-19 Omicron variant has no problem defeating our immunity
- MEPs who visited Romani settlements in Slovakia shocked to see such horrifying living conditions in the EU
- European Parliament will discuss police brutality against Romani people in EU, on the basis of Czech case
- Austria's Die Presse: Covert racism is why Europe's Roma are worse off after COVID-19 pandemic
- EU Fundamental Rights Agency and OSCE say governments must deliver aid to Roma affected by COVID-19 pandemic
Tags:
EUHEADLINE NEWS
