Stand Up to Racism Rally – 22nd March 2014

People from across the UK will converge on London this Saturday 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’.

The UN’s International Anti-Racism day was inaugurated in 1960 following the Sharpeville massacre in South Africa 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.

Across Europe the fascist and populist racist right are on the rise. From the violent Golden Dawn in Greece, the anti-Roma Jobbik in Hungary, the Islamophobic Freedom Party of Geert Wilders in the Netherlands to the success of the Front Nationale in France, these currents are encouraging hatred, fear and prejudice in a frightening wave across the continent.

In Britain the far right is hoping for gains in the Euro elections. The British National Party (BNP) in seeking the re-election of Nick Griffin in the North West and Andrew Brons is seeking re-election in Yorkshire and the Humber. The Conservatives and UKIP look set to try to outdo each other in their calls for draconian ‘anti-immigration’ policies such as the ‘go- home’ vans, promoting a ‘Little Englander’, anti-foreign mentality.

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.”

While there is a real threat that openly racist parties may win the 2014 Euro-elections in some countries, this can be prevented by the widest possible unity against them and the mobilisation of the broadest progressive forces.

Unite Against Fascism has therefore initiated this call for a demonstration and rally to Stand Up to Racism in London on Saturday 22nd March. This weekend thousands of activists from across the country will join us in a riposte to the rise of racism, to show that migrants are welcome and demonstrate our confidence in a future free of scapegoating and hatred.

Speakers at the event include: Diane Abbott MP, Christine Blower (NUT General Secretary), Jerry Dammers, 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), and Ava Vidal (Comedian).

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. The main aims of the march are to object to the scapegoating of immigrants, object to islamaphobia and to say yes to diversity.

The event will take place on Saturday 22 March 2014. Please assemble at 11am at the Old Palace Yard, Parliament for procession to rally at Trafalgar Square.

For further details on www.standuptoracism.org.uk

Francine Fernandes