EU urges democratic societies to address racial discrimination in polls
Brussels, Belgium (PANA) - In a year where more than 2 billion voters are set to go to the polls it remains particularly important to address racial discrimination in the context of elections, the European Union (EU) High Representative said on Wednesday.
In a statement on behalf of the EU on the eve of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Josep Borrell Fontelles said, “Racial discrimination not only inflicts profound harm on individual victims, but also undermines the very fabric of peaceful and democratic societies.”
The Day commemorates the victims of the Sharpeville massacre of 21 March 1960, in which peaceful demonstrators against apartheid in South Africa were senselessly killed.
“While this tragic event marked a turning point and ultimately ushered in the transition to democracy and equality in South Africa, the fight against racism continues to this day, everywhere,” the EU official said.
According to the High Representative, concerted action is needed from all of us to convert our legal frameworks into lived realities, in particular to ensure full implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).
“Our work needs to start at home. While the European Union unequivocally prohibits discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin, recent reports from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights reveal distressing levels of such discrimination within our societies,” he stated.
Mr. Fontelles recalled that the EU Anti-Racism Action Plan 2020-2025 calls for enhanced enforcement of European law and concrete measures defined in national action plans. He said that the EU Anti-Racism Coordinator remains essential to this joint work, alongside the full and meaningful participation of civil society.
Around the world, EU Delegations serve as the Union’s advocates on the ground and actively contribute to endeavours aimed at realising this obligation.
“In far too many places, racial discrimination continues to erode the foundations of peace and security, by fuelling conflict, inequality and injustice. Every member of society benefits when racism is eradicated. On this day, let us renew our collective commitment to stand against racial discrimination in all its forms,” the High Representative underlined.
-0- PANA AR/MA 20March2024
