First EU Anti-Racism and Diversity Week calls for action to build a fair and inclusive Europe

Brussels, 23 September 2019 – From 23 to 26 September, the first ever EU Anti-Racism and Diversity Week is taking place in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Taking place at the start of the new European Parliament’s mandate, this is a key initiative to put racial equality and anti-discrimination at top of the European Union’s priorities in the coming years.

Across Europe, the rise of political parties promoting racism and discrimination and fuelling divisive public sentiments is posing a huge threat to democracy, equality and human rights, and in particular the rights of people of colour, minorities and migrants. It is therefore urgent to join forces and ensure concrete action at EU level to tackle structural inequalities.

“This week is an opportunity for EU decision makers to show leadership and ensure safety, equality and inclusion for racialised people across Europe”, said Karen Taylor, Chair of the European Network Against Racism and Director of Advocacy of Each One Teach One. “We are part of Europe – and we can end structural racism only if we come together and build solidarity across communities and groups. We are counting on MEPs to be change-makers for a shared future.”

Notes to editors:

1. The EU Anti-Racism and Diversity Week is organised by the European Parliament’s Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup, the European Network Against Racism (ENAR) and Each One Teach One (EOTO). It is co-hosted by the following MEPs: Cornelia Ernst; Romeo Franz; Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana; Evin Incir; Magid Magid; Younous Omarjee; Peter Pollak; Samira Rafaela; Hilde Vautmans; Julie Ward.
2. The week includes a series of events and discussions featuring activists, experts and policy makers. The full programme is available here: https://www.ardi-ep.eu/eu-anti-racism-and-diversity-week/

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact:

Georgina Siklossy, ENAR Senior Press and Communications Officer: georgina@enar-eu.org
Alfiaz Vaiya, ARDI Intergroup Coordinator: alfiaz.vaiya@europarl.europa.eu

Event hashtag: #ARW2019