Brussels, 05/07/2001 (Agence Europe) - The European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia (EUMC) in Vienna has set-up partnerships in the 15 Member States of the EU in order set-out new measures aimed at preventing racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism, and to encourage equality and diversity in Europe. The creation of 15 national focal points gathered to form the new European information network on racism and xenophobia RAXEN was approved during the meeting of the EUMC administrative council, on 29 June. These 15 points are supported by national research network, NGOs, documentation centres, governmental and semi-governmental bodies and social partners. They have been selected following a cal for tenders (published in the OJ 2001/S 38-026546).
The establishment of the network notably entails the coordination of the collection of data and the identification and exchange of good practices. The network, on this basis, will make recommendations and proposals. During the first year, the collection of data will mainly cover employment, racial violence, legislation and education. The material gathered will be made available to the Member States, the EU institutions and other European and International organisations as well as key actors.
Information: EUMC in Vienna. Tel: +43 1 580 30 23/26. Fax: +43 1 580 30 92. E-mail: RAXEN@eumc.eu.int. Internet: http: //eumc.eu.int.