AKEL on International Day Against Racism
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 21st March 2018, Nicosia
On the occasion of today’s International Action Day Against Racism, AKEL once again expresses its determination to continue the fight against racism and discrimination. Yet another year finds humanity on this day in the midst of a global upsurge of racism and the rise of neo-fascist forces. A continuous growth in the phenomena of racism and intolerance is being observed, especially in Europe. Hatred, xenophobia, Islamophobia and anti-Semitism are being cultivated. In this process, the forces of the ultra-right and neo-fascism are constantly on the rise.
Fortunately, there are millions of people who refuse to separate people on the basis of color, origin or religion in contrast to those who spread or tolerate racism; people who stand in solidarity and help voluntarily and selflessly all those searching for the hope of a better life.
AKEL, with all its strength, is fighting against racism, xenophobia, racial discrimination and neo-fascism. It is struggling for equal labour, social insurance and social rights for all, regardless of race, colour, language and religion. It is asserting equal access to public free education, health and welfare for all migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. It is demanding dignified and humane hospitality for refugees, with special care for unaccompanied minors and other vulnerable groups. It calls for the strengthening of the Authority Against Racism and Discriminations, the enforcement of anti-racist educational programmes in schools and the implementation of the legislation to resolutely combat racist speech and behavior in the public domain.
On the occasion of the International Day of Action Against Racism, AKEL organized together with dozens of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot organizations on 17 March an anti-racist event, thus participating in the international mobilization of progressive forces all over the world.
