Brussels, 22/03/2010 (Agence Europe) - The European Union firmly rejects any form of intolerance, racism and racial discrimination, commented EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, in a statement published on International Eliminate Racial Discrimination Day (21 March). She said that the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights expressly bans any form of discrimination, whether on the basis of colour, gender, origins, religion or beliefs, or an individual's opinions or sexual orientation. She said the EU demonstrates its “unshakeable commitment” to international human rights by including the fight against discrimination in its cooperation strategies and providing its support to a wide range of civil society organisations that take action against racism through the EU democracy and human rights instrument. The EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), the OSCE's bureau of democratic and human rights bodies (BIDDH) and the Council of Europe's European Committee against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) strongly reject manifestations of racism and xenophobia, particularly on the internet and social networks. For further information, see http://www.fra.europa.eu (B.C./transl.fl)