Despite the coronavirus crisis, the EU reiterates its unwavering commitment to fighting racism and xenophobia and all other forms of intolerance to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (21 March). “There is a continuous need to step up our efforts and actions to prevent hate crimes, discrimination, racism, xenophobia and related intolerance”, EU High Representative Josep Borrell said in a statement today. “Racial discrimination runs against the values and principles of the European Union: universal human rights and fundamental freedoms. It will never be tolerated”. The EU is taking vigorous measures to ensure the effective implementation of EU laws prohibiting racial or ethnic discrimination in all their manifestations, while also advancing the fight to “stamp out racist and xenophobic speech online and offline”. There is also increased support – including financial support – both for the civil society, local authorities and other partners, and to facilitate the exchange of best practices through dedicated platforms. Close attention will be paid to those who are most affected, “including the Roma, Jewish and Muslim communities”.
Efforts are being made not only at EU level, but also all over the world (e.g. Vietnam, Nepal, Jewish-Arab mixed cities) and in cooperation with our partner countries, civil society, human rights defenders and international organisations such as the OSCE, the Council of Europe, and the UN. The goal, Borrell concluded, is to “ensure that all human beings are free and equal in dignity and rights, as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims”.