FAO: News Desk / Advance Planning
People from across the UK will converge on London on March 22nd to celebrate United Nations International Anti-Racism Day. In a poignant symbol to mark the beginning of Britain’s contribution to the international day, marchers will begin their journey to Trafalgar Square from Nelson Mandela’s statue in Parliament Square.
Greeting the marchers on their arrival at Trafalgar Square will be Jerry Dammers, the writer of the iconic song ‘Free Nelson Mandela’, who has thrown his weight behind the event.
The UN’s International Anti-Racism day was inaugurated in 1960 following the Sharpeville massacre which saw 69 protesters against apartheid killed and 178 wounded. This year’s annual UN anti-racism day is set against the backdrop of the European elections which will take place in May. In Britain and across Europe a number of neo Nazi, extreme right wing and racist parties will vie for seats in the new European Parliament. Organisers of the demonstration in London intend using the day to call on voters to celebrate the diversity of Britain and boycott parties who pose a threat to Britain’s successful multiculturalism.
Diane Abbott MP said:
“The politics of immigration in Britain has become increasingly ugly as parties like UKIP and the BNP attempt to stoke up fear and hatred. Far from falling into the political trap of pitting community against community it is time that the voices of the majority of people in this country who recognise the huge contribution migrants have made throughout history are heard. That’s why this year’s UN International Anti-Racism day takes on increasing importance – It will provide the opportunity for all those who oppose the politics of hate and division to stand up against the ‘Farageation’ of our country.”
Stand up to racism and fascism march and rally
-No to Scapegoating Immigrants -No to Islamophobia -Yes to diversity
Saturday 22 March 2014
Assemble 11am, Parliament Square (near statue of Nelson Mandela)
Procession to rally at Trafalgar Square
Speakers at the event will include: Diane Abbott MP, Natalie Bennett (Green Party Leader), Christine Blower (NUT General Secretary), Jerry Dammers, Bruce Kent (VP Pax Christi), Jean Lambert MEP, Max Levitas (Cable Street Veteran), Gloria Mills (UNISON National Secretary Equalities), Claude Moraes MEP, Farooq Murad (Secretary General – Muslim Council of Britain), Mohammad Taj (TUC President), Tommy Tomescu (Alliance Against Romanians and Bulgarians Discrimination), Ava Vidal (Comedian), Maurice Wren (Chief Executive – Refugee Council)
ENDS
Notes to Editors
1. Stand up to racism and fascism has been jointly organised by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Unite Against Fascism (UAF) supported by a range of trade unions, faith and community organisers. Further details on www.standuptoracism.org.uk
2. The event will assemble 11am near the Mandela Statue in Trafalgar Square and form a procession to Trafalgar Square in time for a rally at 1pm – 4pm.
3. Background details for UN Anti-Racism Day commemoration:
https://www.un.org/en/events/racialdiscriminationday/background.shtml