Stand up to racism and fascism demo 22 March 2014 marking UN Anti-Racism Day
- No to scapegoating of immigrants
- No to Islamophobia
- Yes to diversity
Rally and Demo marking UN Anti-Racism Day
11am, Saturday 22nd March 2014
Central London
A day of action against racism has been called for across Europe to
coincide with UN Anti-Racism Day. With eyes on the European elections in
May parties in most countries of the right, centre and even the
traditional left are allowing politics and the media to be dominated by
racism and xenophobia. Islamophobia and antisemitism and the
scapegoating of minorities – immigrants, Roma, Black and Asian
communities – have become the norm. In Britain the fascist and far right
are seeking gains, but there is an even greater immediate threat.
No to scapegoating immigrants
That is the increasing tendency of mainstream political parties to
tail-end the right-wing, populist UKIP. They are out-vying each other in
calls for draconian ‘antiimmigration’ policies and generally promoting a
‘Little Englander’ anti-foreign, anti-European mentality, most recently
seen with the hostility and racism whipped up towards the projected
arrival of Bulgarian and Romanian migrant workers.
No to Islamophobia
In particular it has become acceptable to promote fear and hatred of
Muslim people and Islam as a religion. This racism creates a climate of
Islamophobia, leading directly to more attacks on the Muslim population,
including murder and violent attacks on mosques.
Remember Mandela – YES to diversity
In remembering Nelson Mandela we too should cherish “the ideal of a
democratic and free society in which all persons live together in
harmony and equal opportunities”. UN Anti-racism Day commemorates the
victims of the Sharpeville massacre in 1960, when 69 peaceful
demonstrators against apartheid were killed by South African police
forces.
Many organisations and communities have come together to call for
this parade and rally. Join us in rejecting racism and showing that
migrants are welcome. Let’s celebrate diversity by expressing our
cultures and identities. Let’s demonstrate our confidence in a future
free of scapegoating, racism and hatred.
Organised by the TUC and sponsored by CWU, GMB, NASUWT, NUT, PCS, Unison, Unite the Union
