20/03/2026 Equality and Non-Discrimination
On the eve of the International Day for the Eradication of Racial Discrimination (21 March), Francesco Verducci (Italy, SOC), General Rapporteur on combating racism and intolerance, made the following statement:
The Sharpeville Massacre of 21 March 1960, in apartheid South Africa, saw peaceful protesters demanding equal rights gunned down by police, leaving 69 dead and over 180 wounded - an event that triggered global outrage and led to the UN proclamation of this Day in 1966.
As we mark this commemoration for the sixtieth time, racism remains a deeply concerning reality across Europe today, manifesting in hate speech, discrimination and systemic barriers. It makes the lives of millions of people of African descent more difficult and undermines their dignity. In spite of this, eradicating racism is not always high enough on the priorities of legislators and policymakers. This must change.
I welcome the adoption of a new anti-racism strategy by the European Commission - a step in the right direction that needs our support. The strategy applies to the European Union, but it should inspire the action of other Council of Europe member states as well. I call on the authorities to fully implement it. National parliaments have a crucial role to play in this process. The No Hate Parliamentary Alliance will follow it closely and stands ready to support legislators in this endeavour.