Finland Times

 

Leaders of the political parties signed the anti-racism charter in parliament on Wednesday.Photo Lehtikuva.

All parties in parliament on Wednesday signed the Charter of European Parties for a non-racist society and, in this way, committed themselves to combat all forms of racism. 

 

The initiative to sign the charter was taken by the Finnish League for Human Rights, the non-discrimination ombudsman and the Advisory Board for Ethnic Relations, said a press release. 

 

The charter was signed also in 2011 by the parliamentary parties of that time.

 

The Finnish League for Human Rights, the non-discrimination ombudsman and the Advisory Board for Ethnic Relations consider it of utmost importance that the parties commit to this charter, especially in the current situation.

 

By signing the charter the political parties commit to defend basic human rights, to reject all forms of racist violence and incitement to racial hatred. The parties also commit to refuse to display, to publish or to distribute views and positions which stir up or invite prejudices and hostility. 

 

In addition, the parties commit to deal firmly with any racist sentiments and behaviour and to refrain from any form of political alliance or cooperation at all levels with any political party which incites or attempts to stir up racial or ethnic prejudices and racial hatred.