Amnesty International’s fight against discrimination in Europe
(Brussels, 16 November 2010) On 16 November, the International Day against Intolerance, Amnesty International has launched a new website to support its campaign against discrimination in Europe. The ‘Fight Discrimination in Europe’ website (www.fightdiscrimination.eu) highlights Amnesty International’s work on discrimination in Europe and provides an opportunity for people throughout Europe to speak out and take positive action to combat discrimination. “Discrimination is rife across Europe with serious impact on people’s access to fundamental rights. Governments, institutions and people should take action immediately to stop the detrimental impact that discrimination has on society as a whole”, said Nicolas Beger, Director of the European Institutions Office.
The widespread persistence of all kinds of discrimination, remains one of Europe’s most pressing human rights concerns, and affects the lives of millions across the continent. Ethnic minorities, particularly Roma people, religious groups, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people continue to face widespread exclusion, intolerance and prejudice, which results in their being denied a wide range of legitimate rights. This includes the right to life. Only last week, on 10 November, Amnesty International spoke out against violence targeting Roma people, when it launched a new report on hate crimes against Roma citizens in Hungary. “The Hungarian authorities have a duty to prevent discrimination and to ensure justice for victims of hate crimes,“ said Nicola Duckworth, Amnesty International’s Europe and Central Asia Programme Director. “This includes the obligation to investigate whether or not racial and ethnic hatred or prejudice played a role in these and any similar attacks.”
The Fight Discrimination in Europe website provides information on why discrimination is a major human rights concern, providing specific examples covering the campaign’s themes (Roma, LGBT rights, racism and faith-based discrimination). The site explains how to join Amnesty International’s fight against discrimination, including links to web actions and a blog, and provides information through a thematic newsletter and the latest news and events.
Join our fight against discrimination! Visit www.fightdiscrimination.eu