20/03/2024 Equality and Non-Discrimination
On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination PACE Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination on combating racism and intolerance made the following statement:
“The International day for the elimination of racial discrimination is an opportunity to reflect on the progress achieved in countering racism at global level, and on how to tackle the challenges that people of African descent still face. This year, as the International Decade for People of African Descent 2015-2024, proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations, draws to a close, the picture is far from satisfying.
In 2020, the violent death of George Floyd at the hand of the police and the widespread protests that followed on both sides of the Atlantic sparked awareness of the extent of Afrophobia and the need to tackle it. A window of opportunity seemed to be open for legislators, policy makers and the society at large to seize. The developments since then are not always positive. Deeply entrenched racism endures. New forms of prejudice targeting people of African descent emerge. The current political landscape is a reason for concern, with racist and xenophobic populist movements resisting progress and undermining the struggle for inclusiveness and respect.
As members of the Committee on equality and non-discrimination, we reaffirm on this occasion our commitment to counter all forms of racism. Referring to Resolution 2389 (2021) on Combating Afrophobia, or anti-Black racism, in Europe, we reiterate our call on fellow politicians and public authorities to counter racism in all its forms, including at institutional level, and multiple and intersectional discrimination; recognise the contribution of people of African descent to Europe’s development and culture; and to recognise the negative impact of colonialism, enslavement and the transatlantic slave trade.
Finally, we reiterate our support to the No Hate Parliamentary Alliance. We believe in the Charter of European political parties for a non-racist and inclusive society, based on political parties self-regulation power, as an important tool to prevent and counter racial discrimination.”