The European Commission supported a “Diversity Festival” on 10 April at Bandabuliya, Nicosia from 15:00 to 17:00 as part of European Action Week Against Racism. The event aimed to bring together various cultural groups in order to celebrate cultural diversity within the Turkish Cypriot community.  After the opening speeches by Mr.Arttu Makipaa and Mr.Mehmet Harmancı, MAGEM, Akova Women’s Association, French Cultural Association, Refugee Rights Association, German Cultural Association, Russian Speakers Association, Civic Space, SOS Children’s Village, and the Palestinian, Pakistani, Afghan and Ukrainian students groups provided an opportunity for visitors to taste various international food and experience music and dance performances. 

The event also supported the annual campaign of European Action Week Against Racism where people and groups across Europe actively engage for tolerance, equal rights and celebrating the diversity of Europe. The campaign is run by UNITED for Intercultural Action: The European Network against nationalism, racism, fascism and in support of migrants and refugees.

People across the EU continue to be targeted by racism, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance just because of their race, colour, religion, descent or national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation or gender identity, disability, social status or other characteristics. The EU rejects and condemns all forms of racism and intolerance, as they are incompatible with the values and principles upon which the EU is founded. A broad set of rules exist at the EU level which contribute better tackling different forms and manifestations of racism and intolerance, in particular the Framework Decision on combating certain forms of expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law.

As part of the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community many projects addressing discrimination and human rights have been supported. This includes Youthopia: Empowering young Cypriots to promote and protect their rights by MAGEM, the Cypriot Intangible Cultural Heritage project by the Nicosia Folklore Association, Human Rights for All by Refugees Rights Association, and Unspoken: Creating Dialogue on LGBTI Rights in the Turkish Cypriot Community by Cyprus Community Media Centre Co. and Queer Cyprus.