Despite progress, racism continues to be an obstacle to justice, equality and full participation in society across the EU, High Representative Kaja Kallas says in statement on behalf of the EU on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
The International Day against racism is observed annually on 21 March, on the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws" in 1960. This year, the International Day also marks the 60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).
In the statement, the EU calls for renewed action to ensure that the Convention is fully and effectively upheld in Europe and worldwide. “The persistence of discrimination and its profound impact on individuals and societies at large demands political will, stronger enforcement of existing legislation and a collective commitment to lasting change.”
In September 2020, the European Commission presented an EU action plan against racism for the next five years (2020 – 2025) aiming at ensuring that Member States fully implement relevant EU law and further strengthen the legal framework in the fight against racism. The Commission will present its first anti-racism strategy by the end of the year to build on these efforts and accelerate progress.
Among the most discriminated minority groups in Europe are Roma, the largest ethnic minority with an estimated population of 12 million. Antigypsism takes many forms—from being shut out of the labour market to being denied equal access to education, housing, and digital opportunities.
According to a Eurobarometer, 65 % of respondents across the EU said that the discrimination against Romani people is widespread and based on skin colour and ethnicity. A survey conducted by the Roma Initiatives Office (now Roma Foundation for Europe), highlighted the extent of racial discrimination Roma face in daily life.
“Discrimination does not only harm those directly affected—it weakens societies and economies as a whole," commented Zeljko Jovanovic, President of the Roma Foundation for Europe.
“When governments allow racial discrimination to persist in our day-to-day lives, in employment, education, and housing, they are actively weakening their own economies and social cohesion. The cost of exclusion is too high—Europe cannot afford to waste the potential of its youngest and fastest-growing workforce. Every lost opportunity for Roma is a lost opportunity for Europe’s future.”
The Roma Foundation for Europe calls on EU leaders to take urgent action to address the structural exclusion that continues to hold back the Roma minority across the continent.
In the European Commission, Hadja Lahbib, Belgium’s former foreign minister, is Commissioner for Equality (besides Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management). In her mission letter, she has been tasked to present a new Anti-Racism Strategy and “spearhead the implementation of the EU Strategic Framework for Roma equality, inclusion and participation and improve the lives of marginalised Roma communities in Europe”.
By the time of publication, Lahbib's cabinet had not replied to a request for her comment at the occasion of the International Day against racism.
M. Apelblat
The Brussels Times
