Joint Statement by Human Rights and Civil Society Organisations
(Brussels, September 11, 2024) – It is critically important for members of the newly elected European Parliament to renew the mandate of its Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup, 42 human rights and civil society organizations including Human Rights Watch said in a statement issued today. This is especially important in the post-European elections political environment, where principles of justice and equality are challenged and where the most marginalized people are disproportionately harmed by policies and institutional practices, the groups said.
September 2024 — We, the undersigned human rights and civil society organisations, urgently call upon the newly elected Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and their respective political groups to actively support the reestablishment of the Anti-racism and Diversity Intergroup (ARDI) in the European Parliament. This intergroup has played an important role in the past mandate in promoting and safeguarding human rights, racial 11 equality and non-discrimination in EU policies.
In the post-EU elections political environment, where principles of justice and equality are challenged and where the most marginalised are disproportionately harmed by policies and institutional practices, it is imperative to acknowledge the rise of the far right and its normalisation in the European Parliament. These forces have built their electoral campaigns by scapegoating racialised groups, threatening the very fabric of our democratic society. Now, more than ever, we need a strong coalition of MEPs in the European Parliament who will resist and champion equality, inclusion, and justice. Most recently, the violence against migrants and asylum seekers, discrimination in sports and many key areas of life, the surge of far-right extremism, and the targeting of racialised communities are clear indicators of the dangerous path Europe is on concerning human rights.
We support the decision of the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s to reappoint a Commissioner for Equality, ensuring continued focus on equality, anti-discrimination, anti-racism. We also acknowledge the collaborative efforts between DG Justice and the ARDI Intergroup in the past mandate. However, despite these efforts, equality in Europe remains more of an aspiration than a reality. As long as racism, discrimination, and social exclusion are deeply entrenched in our society, we remain far from achieving a Union of equality.
In light of this, the re-establishment of the ARDI Intergroup is key to ensure that the European Parliament continues to be a leader in promoting equality, diversity and non-discrimination.
Given the current political landscape, and as CSOs that have long advocated for anti-racism, non-discrimination, and social justice, we strongly recommend that the Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup’s objectives focus on:
Building a progressive front against the promotion of racist narratives and policies by offering a bold alternative narrative on racial justice.
Collaborating with CSOs, advocacy groups and other stakeholders working on anti-racism and with people from racialised groups to ensure their meaningful participation, support their resistance and leverage collective expertise and lived experiences.
Promoting and participating in the development and the implementation of anti-racism legislation and policies as well as advocating for the enforcement of existing laws, while addressing intersecting inequalities and safeguarding fundamental rights.
Raising awareness and advising about the prevalence and impact of racism against racialised groups in Europe.
Moreover, the current political climate requires ARDI and its members to step up as courageous leaders who champion anti-racism and non-discrimination through an intersectional approach. Members should authentically represent diverse perspectives, centre the lived experiences of racialised people, and address the complex realities they face. Specifically, ARDI members should play a critical role in holding member states accountable for implementing robust national strategies that tackle racism, social exclusion and discrimination against racialised communities. They must also leverage their positions to influence EU policymaking with a commitment of working closely with civil society to ensure that diverse voices inform legislative actions and drive meaningful, systemic change.
The undersigned groups stand ready to support this effort and look forward to the European Parliament reaffirming its commitment to these foundational values.
Signed by:
European Network Against Racism (ENAR)
European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN)
European Roma Grassroots Organisations Network (ERGO)
Equinox
Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM)
ILGA-Europe – the European region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association
AFRO DANISH COLLECTIVE
ASOCIACION EN PERVENCION Y SISTENCIA DE LA VIOLENCIA
ASOCIACIÓN NACIONAL PRESENCIA GITANA
Asociación Rumiñahui
Centre for European Volunteering
Centre for Gender Rights and Equality DIOTIMA
Changemakers Lab
European Roma Rights Centre
European Civic Forum
Feminist Collective of Romani Gender Experts
Federaciòn SOS Racismo
Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations
Fundacja Inicjatywa Dom Otwarty
Groupe pour l’Abolition des Mutilations Sexuelles féminines (GAMS Belgium)
Human Rights Watch
IDPAD (Hackney)
Institución asuntos culturales de España
International Planned Parenthood Federation – European Network (IPPF EN)
Kif Kif vzw
Lallab
Migrant Tales
Multi Kulti Collective
Network for Children’s Rights – Greece
New Women Connectors
NGO RomanoNet
Northern Ireland Council for Racial Equality
Phiren Amenca International Network
Povod, Institute for culture and development of international relations in culture
Quaker Council for European Affairs
RECLAIM
S.P.E.A.K (Muslim women collective)
Swiss Minorities Sports Culture & Integration. (Swiss Minors)
The End FGM European Network (End FGM EU)
The Shelter Students Refuge
Waterford Integration Services
Women Against Violence Europe (WAVE Network)
For more information, please contact:
In Berlin, Almaz Teffera (English, German): +1-646-430-4723 (mobile); or teffera@hrw.org. Twitter: @AlmazTeffera
In Brussels, Iskra Kirova (English, Bulgarian, French): +32-2371-1450 (mobile); or kirovai@hrw.org. Twitter: @iskrakirova