EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib announces education project against racism
The European Commission, together with UNESCO, will launch a project this year to strengthen education against racism, with a particular focus on the role of the media. The initiative was announced on Tuesday by European Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib.
"The role of the media is crucial in how people at risk of becoming victims of racism are represented," Lahbib said during the presentation of the EU’s first strategy against racism. Before going into politics, the Belgian commissioner worked as a journalist for RTBF.
The project will include a series of seminars bringing together journalists, civil society organisations and representatives of communities affected by racism. Social media will also be addressed. In addition, the Commission will roll out an EU-wide information campaign promoting the "Union of Equality".
"The role of the media is crucial in how people at risk of becoming victims of racism are represented"
The Commission will also place greater emphasis on sanctions in member states that fail to comply with the Racial Equality directive, as well as on its correct application in cases involving discrimination linked to AI algorithms.
At present, only 14 of the EU’s 27 member states have a national action plan against racism. "That is not enough; they must all be on board. Member states themselves have asked for this strategy so they can be supported in their efforts," Lahbib said.
PHOTO © Nicolas TUCAT / AFP
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