EU Unveils Plan to Tackle Racism as “Moment of Reckoning” Arrives

The European Union's racial equality directive will also be assessed, with possible new legislation introduced in 2022.

In the wake of the Black Lives Matters protests triggered by George Floyd's death in the US, the European Commission said it would look carefully into discrimination by law enforcement authorities such as unlawful racial profiling.

Meanwhile, the bloc's Agency for Fundamental Rights will continue to collect data on police attitudes towards minorities.

The European Commission also wants to combat stereotypes and disinformation by setting up a series of seminars and promoting commemorative days linked to the issue of racism.

It also encouraged member states to address stereotypes via cultural and education programs, or the media. A summit against racism is planned next year.

“Nobody is born racist. It is not a characteristic which we are born with,” said Helena Dalli, the EU Commissioner for Equality.

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“It's a question of nurture, and not nature. We have to unlearn what we have learned.”

Earlier this year, the European Parliament approved a resolution condemning Floyd's death and asking the bloc to take a strong stance against racism. 

(Writer: Samuel Petrequin) 

Source: https://apnews.com/0e71de1d480c10398d91cd0ef7e738e4