MINELRES: UNITED: 17 - 25 March 2007: European-wide Action Week

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Original sender: UNITED <donotreply@unitedagainstracism.org>


E-NEWS UNITED 12/03/2007:
MEDIA RELEASE

17 - 25 March 2007: European-wide Action Week Against Racism
"All Different - All Equal"

** Europe sticks strongly together against racism: activities in 42 
European countries **

>From 17 to 25 March 2007, various non-governmental-organisations in 
more than 42 European countries will raise their common voice against 
one common issue: racism.

The Action Week Against Racism 2007 "All Different- All Equal" is 
more than just a slogan, it's about asking ourselves what EQUAL 
means, what having equal rights mean. It is about starting a deep 
reflection about equal access, equal opportunities, and equal 
chances. Today all around Europe there are still people who suffer 
because they look, feel, act and believe "differently". Difference 
and variety are enrichments for the future of Europe and stimulate 
old and new generations through national borders to broaden our 
perspective of a peaceful cohesistance.

** Historical meaning of the date - The Massacre in Sharpeville**

21 March was declared 'International Day for the Elimination of All 
Forms of Racial Discrimination' by the General Assembly of the UN.
It was as a reaction to the murdering of 69 peaceful demonstrators in 
Sharpeville on 21 March 1960. They were participating in a non 
violent campaign against the pass law system and Apartheid in South 
Africa.

Originally, the aim of the campaign was to gather most of the black 
labour force to march to the police stations without pass books. In 
this way, the police would have to arrest them. This would have a 
negative impact on the economy and the Government would be forced to 
accept their terms. Things got another turn, though. While 12.000 
person were chanting freedom songs in front of the police station the 
massacre started. Most of the people who were killed, were shot in 
the back while fleeing to save their lives. No member of police was 
charged for the massacre.

** Activities all over Europe**

Still, in 21st century Europe, racism keeps on affecting people's 
lives, thoughts and behaviours. This year, NGOs in countries such as 
Romania,

The Netherlands, Great-Britain and Northern Ireland amongst others, a 
lot of activities for diversity and against racism will be carried 
out. In Germany, for instance, a big nation-wide campaign will be 
launched by the "Interkultureller Rat" and it will include around 350 
different events. This is just to testify that this year more than 
ever, the campaign will provide hundreds of different chances to act 
against racism on all levels. To strenghten the anti racism network 
on an international level, International campaigns will also take 
place. For example, the organisation "Online/ More Colour in the 
Media" co-ordinates "the European week of media and diversity" in at 
least 15 EU-countries to show the necessity of diversity in the media 
and give an input to the dialogue among media professionals, NGOs and 
minority audiences.

** Additional Information **

UNITED for Intercultural Action is a network of 560 organisations all 
over Europe working against racism and fascism and in support of 
migrants and refugees. Activities at the local level in the framework 
of the campaign around 21 March are carried out by organisations from 
40 European countries. The campaign is co-ordinated through the 
UNITED International Secretariat. A full list of activities is 
accessible on http://www.unitedagainstracism.org (under 'campaigns'/ 
21 March). Please contact the UNITED office for further information. 
We will be happy to supply you with contact information of an 
organisation near you that is involved in the campaign.

-- 
***********************************************************
We depend on YOUR help in 2007!

UNITED is not rich and has no stable income!
Though far most of the work at the UNITED secretariat is done 
voluntary - still money is needed to keep the network functioning in 
2007 and to secure the cooperation and information flow throughout 
Europe.

Your donation is most welcome:
- in cash to UNITED Postbus 413 NL-1000 AK Amsterdam
- by bank (preferable) to:
UNITED, Postbus 413 NL-1000 AK Amsterdam
Account: IBAN NL77PSTB0002343715, BIC: PSTB NL2A - Bank: Postbank, 
Postbus 1800, NL-1000 BV Amsterdam
(From NL: postbank 2343715)

***********************************************************

UNITED is the pan-European network against nationalism, racism, 
fascism and in support of migrants and refugees, supported by over 
560 organisations in 46 European countries.
How to join the network: see http://www.unitedagainstracism.org 
'joining the network'

UNITED E-NEWS is an irregular email service to over 8500 
organisations and contact persons active in the working  fields: 
anti-racism, refugee support, anti-fascism, against antisemitism, 
migration, minority issues, intercultural youth work, against 
nationalism etc.

Regular postal mailings, containing publications such as Addressbook 
Against Racism, Calendar of Internationalism, Campaign reports, 
Posters etc. are sent to over 2400 European organisations.  If you 
also would like to receive this mailing: see 
http://www.unitedagainstracism.org 'joining the network'

----

UNITED for Intercultural Action
European network against nationalism, racism, fascism and in support 
of migrants and refugees
Postbus 413   -  NL 1000 AK Amsterdam - phone +31-20-6834778  -  fax 
+31-20-6834582 - info@unitedagainstracism.org  - 
http://www.unitedagainstracism.org


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