The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) said on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination yesterday that attacks against refugees, asylum seekers and migrants are unacceptable.
FRA, together with two other European human rights institutions, warned that there has been a marked increase in attacks on refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in the EU, and hate speech rooted in hostility to ethnic, religious and cultural diversity is being expressed ever more openly, not only by extremist groups but also by politicians from across the political spectrum and on social media.
"As Europe confronts the greatest migrant crisis since the Second World War, the elimination of racial discrimination is a priority like never before. Our continent needs to eradicate every vestige of exclusion and marginalisation of the outsider if it is to rise to the challenge. The international treaties to combat racism provide the necessary roadmap," FRA Director Michael O'Flaherty said.
Christian Ahlund, Chair of the Council of Europe's European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) was quoted as saying: "Past experience has shown that democracy can be undermined and swept aside where calls to deny the right to equality and dignity of the most vulnerable are listened to and acted upon. Therefore, discouraging and preventing hate speech through demonstrating the danger that it poses and through counter-speech is of the utmost importance."
Michael Link, director of the OSCE/ODIHR, added: "In the current situation, reaffirming our commitment to the values and principles of tolerance, equality and non-discrimination is crucial. We have a duty to condemn hate crimes and all other manifestations of racism and xenophobia, respond swiftly and effectively to intolerant behaviour, and to counter hate speech in the messages we deliver. This has to be accompanied by a particular emphasis on awareness-raising and other educational initiatives aimed at countering racist messages and promoting mutual understanding."
The three organisations came together to call for greater efforts at the international, national and local levels to combat racism and discrimination.