The European Commission marked the importance of diversity during the European Action Week Against Racism with a panel titled “United in Diversity” on Monday, 13 March 2017 at Bedestan, Nicosia from 14:30 to 17:00.

The aim of the event was to improve awareness about diversity, and increase knowledge about the relevant EU policy.  EU speaker Prof. Rainer Hiltunen presented EU’s policy on diversity and actions to combat racism, best practices from EU member states. The head of the Employment Department Mr. Yusuf Önderol shared information about the local implementations and recommendations.  Representatives from Refugee Rights Association and KISA done a presentation on their EU funded Human Rights for All Project. In addition, Oğuz Ufuk Haksever presented the impressions of youth on diversity.

The event also supports the annual campaign of European Action Week Against Racism where 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.