TURNING WORDS INTO ACTION TO ADDRESS ANTISEMITISM | Página 6

Finally, Ms. Finch stressed that given the OSCE’s role as a platform for dialogue and cooperation, the project would aim for an inclusive, rights-based and participatory approach
that establishes the need to address all forms of anti-Semitism, discrimination and
intolerance at all times, with a focus on affected communities. Ms. Finch closed her
speech by wishing the participants constructive and forward-thinking ideas that ODIHR
would do its best to implement in the course of the project.

Cristina Finch, Head of Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department, ODIHR provides opening
remarks

Benedek Javor MEP (Member of the European Parliament Anti-Racism Diversity
Intergroup) began his speech by quoting Martin Niemöller who once stated “first they came
for the Socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for
the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they
came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—
and there was no one left to speak for me”. He followed the quote by underlining that
solidarity, mutual understanding and compassion were diminishing. Fear, anger and hatred
were spreading instead.
Mr. Javor then noted that since World War II, Europe and particularly the EU guaranteed
human rights as a forerunner on anti-discrimination and equal treatment, regardless of race,
religion or sexual orientation. However, currently there were countries which were simply not
willing to participate in solidarity either on the European level or on the national level.

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