Red Cross red crescent to step up efforts against discrimination in Europe
18 Decembre 2001

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies announced today, International Migrants Day, that it will stage a major conference in Europe next year to develop a plan of action to address discrimination and xenophobia on the continent.

"Following the attacks of 11 September 2001, the escalation of violence, racism and other forms of discrimination has resulted in increasing numbers of victims in different countries around the world. In some of them, the number of personal attacks, based on ethnic origin, has increased," said Malika Ait-Mohamed, Head of the Humanitarian Values and Principles Unit at the International Federation.

The European Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will meet from April 14 to 18, 2002 in Berlin, to discuss and develop a plan of action on population movements. This plan of action will address migration and resultant vulnerability, migrants in irregular situations, and include specific measures to be taken in order to address discrimination and xenophobia.

"Immigration is needed to prevent population decline in some countries. There is a real need for replacement migration," said Robbie Thomson, a Federation expert on population movements. "Legal and fair opportunities must be provided to potential immigrants. If they are not, the inevitable result will be increasing irregular immigration and inevitable exploitation and vulnerability, as well as related intolerance," he said.

The Red Cross Red Crescent through its network of volunteers in 178 countries plays a key role worldwide in helping to reduce discrimination and violence in the community and to promote a culture of non-violence. Racial discrimination and xenophobia are flash points in many humanitarian emergencies.

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

Denis McClean, Head, Media Service Tel.: +41 22 730 4428/ + 41 79 217 3357

Eva Calvo, Information Officer Tel.: + 41 22 730 4357/ +41 79 217 3372

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.