On the significance of the European Action Week Against Racism - statement by Elisabeth Sándor-Szalay, Deputy Ombudsman responsible for the protection of nationalities living in Hungary

UNESCO proclaimed March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in 1966, commemorating that, on that day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid in Sharpeville, South Africa. As the fight against racism, intolerance and discrimination is gaining ground internationally, the series of programs held during the European Action Week Against Racism is organized around this day. Between March 12 and 21 this year, several governmental organs, civil communities, schools, local governments and private citizens will express their commitment towards building a more tolerant society through some direct action: organizing or participating in an event, or simply conveying the message of the importance of solidarity in the fight against racism.

In her statement, Elisabeth Sándor-Szalay, Deputy Ombudsman responsible for the protection of nationalities living in Hungary, calls attention to the fact that nowadays, when the voices of discrimination and hate seem to get stronger in Europe, the slogan of this year's European Action Week Against Racism – "Strength In Diversity" – is extremely timely. Indeed, the diversity of people fighting against racism, the wide social basis of those rejecting discrimination may give strength to stand up to growing isolation and prejudice.

That is why the Deputy Ombudsman responsible for the protection of nationalities living in Hungary deems important to stress that the ombudsman institution, during its two-decades-long existence in Hungary, has been consistently supporting and promoting joint European values, protecting human rights and ensuring human dignity and discrimination-free treatment. In addition to recognizing the importance of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Action Week, it must also be emphasized that the fight against any and all forms of racism and discrimination shall permeate the everyday practices of all organizations and individuals thinking responsibly. It is not enough to raise our voice against the brutal and bloody violation of human rights in certain regions of the world, it is of equal importance to be aware of the prejudice, exclusion and intolerance, albeit more subtle but equally damaging, that may exist in our immediate environment. Deputy Ombudsman Elisabeth Sándor-Szalay, in accordance with her earlier practice, wishes to keep on exercising her powers under the relevant legal regulation in the above spirit.