Brussels, 30/03/2001 (Agence Europe) - The European Network Against Racism (ENAR), which represents some 600 European NGOs combating racism in the EU and which is funded to the tune of 90% by the European Commission, is to hold its first general assembly in Brussels this weekend. 220 delegates from the fifteen Member states of the EU will identify political priorities in migration and anti-discrimination legislation, and prepare the upcoming World Conference against Racism, to be held in Durban (South Africa) in September.
The three messages that ENAR would like to put across on that occasion are: 1) the importance of implementing the anti-discrimination package (Article 13 of the Amsterdam Treaty): in the national context, there needs to be robust legislation enabling victims to secure compensation for attacks suffered; 2) the role of civil society in developing a climate of openness and respect; 3) adoption by the Durban Conference of a precise working programme and a clear strategy for all countries to combat racism, and that in all fields. (Contact: Vera Egenberger, ENAR in Brussels. Tel.: 02 229 35 72. E-mail: vera@enar-eu.org Internet: http://www.enar-eu.org ).