MEP candidates sign anti-racism pledge

Fourteen MEP election candidates have signed a pledge for dignity and against racism, proposed by The People for Change Foundation, calling on candidates to ensure that their political discourse and actions during the campaign do not promote, instigate or condone racism and xenophobia.

The candidates who have signed the pledge are Mr Raymond Bugeja (PN), Mr Carmel Cacopardo (AD), Dr David Casa (PN), Dr Arnold Cassola (AD), Mr Peter Cordina (PL), Mrs Helga Ellul (PN), Mr Stefano Mallia (PN), Dr Roberta Metsola (PN), Dr Marlene Mizzi (PL), Mr Kevin Plumpton (PN), Mr Jonathon Shaw (PN), Ms Fleur Vella (PL), Mr Norman Vella (PN) and Dr Francis Zammit Dimech (PN).

A representative of The People for Change Foundation said the need for such an initiative stemmed from the important role that politicians play as opinion leaders, noting that this implies the need for a strong statement by those at the heart of the political arena against racism.

Through the pledge, the candidates undertake to:

1. Send a consistent and clear message that they reject racism in all its guises
2. Deal responsibly and fairly with sensitive topics relating to migrant groups and ethnic minorities, including asylum seekers and refugees; to safeguard their dignity and avoid their stigmatization
3. Adopt appropriate, accurate and sensitive language when referring to and discussing migration and migrant groups in order to avoid fuelling xenophobia, unfounded fear, crisis and moral panic
4. Condemn, and wherever possible stop, any materials or statements that intentionally or indirectly incite hatred or express prejudice on the grounds of race, colour, nationality or national origin, ethnic background, migrant and legal status or religious belief
5. Refrain from political alliance or association with any political party, or organization that incites ethnic prejudice and racial hatred

The People for Change Foundation said that other MEP election candidates wishing to sign this pledge are encouraged to contact The People for Change Foundation on [email protected].