This Italian region now has Europe’s highest Tibetan bridge
It’s not for the faint-hearted
The "I am Antiracist" campaign stresses that passive condemnation of racism is not enough
On Monday 13 September, the Finnish Ministry of Justice and the Equality Commissioner launched a campaign to address racism and encourage young adults to take action against discrimination. The Olen Antirasisti (I am Antiracist) campaign targets the youth and urges them to consider the effects of racial discrimination and bias.
According to the Finnish government, racism is currently widespread as ethnic and religious minorities face discrimination in all areas of society (such as education and work). Acknowledging the need to put an end to this, the country is now sending a clear message: Passive condemnation of racism is not enough, action is needed.
The campaign’s organisers invite both organisations and individuals to take part in the government’s efforts. On the Olen Antirasisti website, one can find information about antiracism and what it means to be antiracist. In addition to this, the website also provides people with tools to address discrimination and examples of antiracist acts they can adopt.
Taking a case in point, it advises individuals to learn about antiracism independently, without burdening those who face discrimination. In other words, it teaches citizens that it is not the duty or task of those who face racism to educate others. Instead, one must do the work on their own and address racist behaviour when they witness it.
The campaign website similarly provides organisations with advice and tools to promote equality. For instance, they can update their equality plan, provide antiracism training, develop policies to address hate speech online and contribute to staff diversity. The organisations participating in the antiracism campaign must also fill out a form on the Olen Antirasisti website.
Olen Antirasisti campaign logo
Source: The Finnish Ministry of Justice
Commenting on the need for such actions, Equality Commissioner Kristina Stenman explained: “Racism is a serious equality problem and threatens the safety and mental health of many children and young people in their daily lives. We must do everything we can to tackle racism. That work must not be left to people belonging to minorities alone.
The widespread involvement of organizations in the campaign sends a strong message that racism is not acceptable and that there is a desire to take active action on a broad front. Each of us can be building a society where every human being is dignified and equal.”
As part of the campaign, individuals and organisations should share their knowledge and experience on social media, using the hashtags #OlenAntirasisti, #JagÄrAntirasist and #IAmantiracist. In this way, the government hopes that the message will reach as many people as possible.
According to the Olen Antirasisti website, the campaign aims to create a racist-free Finland.
Possibly making it the only legislature in the world with a religious temple on-site
It’s not for the faint-hearted
And the effect is especially prominent among younger people who often turn down job offers due to the lack of nearby housing
Presenting the next chapter in the Dutch capital’s ‘Stay Away’ campaign aimed at rowdy tourists
The City says this has become a necessity due to the increasing number of incidents involving these vehicles
That way you can notify a canal lock keeper to open the gates so the animals can swim through
The organizers had been considering different Parisian spots, but always with the idea of the flame being visible to the people
Electricity production in that Eastern European country will not release direct CO2 emissions anymore
Possibly making it the only legislature in the world with a religious temple on-site
The country’s capital has been a pioneer in crafting policy and initiatives to improve coexistence between people and pets
The amendment to the law shows regard for the public health of youngsters
The organizers had been considering different Parisian spots, but always with the idea of the flame being visible to the people
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
Catch up with some recommendations for the 2024 European Capital of Culture programme from the mayor of Tartu
An interview with the ICLEI regional director for Europe аfter the close of COP28
An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team