Strasbourg, 10.07.2014 - The Council of Europe’s European Commission
against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) today published its annual report,
calling for timely action against extremist organisations that promote racism
to avoid an escalation of violence and related criminal activities. ECRI noted a surge in support for aggressive nationalist and
populist xenophobic parties and the persistence of fascist World War II
nostalgia in several member states. The report, which examines the main trends in 2013, says that more
needs to be done to communicate a positive image and the advantages of a
diverse society and urged countries to adopt national action plans to fight
racism and discrimination.
In certain cases, the report notes, the failure of the police to
discharge their obligations in full respect of human rights and the rule of law
resulted in increased levels of xenophobia. ECRI calls for prompt and effective
action to contain racist aggression but at the same time warns the authorities
to be careful not to feed the spiral of violence. Although 2013 was another year of tragedy in the Mediterranean,
asylum policies have become more restrictive in some countries and drastic
measures – including border fences – have been taken to keep migrants out.
Refugees have been subject to hate campaigns.
