Make Them Act! Speak up, against the uprising darkness
Sign this public statement against the rising far right, racism and discrimination in Europe
More than 110 Organizations & Communities of the Civil Society in Greece and other European countries, co-sign a Public Statement, which reflects our deep worry for the rise of racism, xenophobia and far right in the whole of Europe and demands a response in the upcoming European Parliament elections 2019.
We ask from the political forces in Europe to speak Up and act against the uprising far-right, Racism and Discrimination.
This Public Statement was created by the organizing committee of the annual Walk Against Discriminationon the 21st of March 2019, on the International Day Against Discrimination & Racism.
The committee consists of the: Greek Forum of Migrants, Racist Violence Recording Network, Hellenic League for Human Rights, PRAKSIS, Migrant Integration Council of the City of Athens, Transgender Association in Greece and HumanRights360o.
PUBLIC STATEMENT
Against racism and discrimination
The co-signing of this Public Statement is a way to express our deep worry for the rise of racism, xenophobia and far right in Europe. The diffusion of nationalism, intolerance and xenophobia, although fostered by the financial and social conditions, cannot solve any of the cross-European problems. Such ideas may only generate worse problems.
Political powers of the far right, launch explosive rhetoric and systematically implement in the public dialog reductive approaches for tough identity issues. As an answer to insecurity and crisis representation, far-right parties promise hate.
Nowadays, theories of culture dominance, isolation, anti-Semitism, islamophobia, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, pervasive malignity and historical revisionism spread worldwide. For all the above reasons, the up-coming European elections are of high importance.
Facing such challenge several political powers succumb to this pressure, adopt a far-right agenda and solely focus on the issues of migration, law and order. However, in this way, they only expedite what they were supposed to control, the rise of the nationalistic autarchy that under-mixes the foundations of democracy and united Europe. We highlight the division in migration related issues in national and European level that is used as a base or lever for the promotion of far-right ideas.
More specifically, in Greece we highlight the phenomenon of racist violence that continues to threaten the rule of law. Moreover, we point that the rhetoric of hate which poisons the sense of security and social coherence, sometimes derives from people that hold a civil position and responsibility.
We follow the updates regarding the trial of neo-nazi organization “Golden Dawn”, hopping that justice will be attributed in the best possible way, sending a clear message to the families of the victims and whole European society. In any case, the presence of G.D. and its criminal actions under the veil of being a parliamentary party constitute a continuous reminder of the consequences of the luck of a prompt, structured and decisive reaction in institutional, political and social level against incidents of racism and intolerance.
This is why rhetorical conviction of racism is not sufficient as a reaction. Several political actions are required in order to restrict discriminations and take out of the margin the group of people facing such discriminations. It is essential that a loud voice of confrontation against racism and intolerance will be presented in all levels. A brave approach of the youth is necessary as well as their integration and active participation together with the vulnerable social groups.
With the occasion of the European elections, we ask from political forces to take position, defend, protect and inform the citizens about the specific actions they are willing to take against the rise of far-right in Europe and in every single country.
The fight against discrimination and racism in Greece and Europe, is a fight that has to be victorious. A fight we have to win.
*If you are an Organization / Community that wants to co-sign the Public Statement, please send an email to greekforumofmigrants@gmail.com
