European Coalition of Cities against Racism

ongoing

European Coalition of Cities against Racism (ECCAR) Strengthening the local level in the fight against racism and discrimination through network and capacity building! With this proposal the ECCAR wants to contribute to the implementation of the new EU-Anti-Racism Action Plan. Local level authorities have a central role in the struggle against racism and discrimination in Europe. With its over 130 members ECCAR understands cities as motors of diversity for a Europe that is committed to be “united in diversity”. ECCAR's 10 Point Plan of Action already provides a solid framework for activites cities can take to counter racism on a local level. Through this project ECCAR wants to build and increase the capacity of its members and network partners to develop coherent and coordinated activities to combat any form of racism and discrimination at a municipal level. ECCAR will increase its impact measurably by intensifying activities facilitating local initiatives against racism in its intersecting forms in the areas of preventive and positive action, monitoring and vigilance, empowerment, mediation etc. A new reporting tool will allow good practices of cities combatting racism in Europe to be spread and create mutual learning opportunities for local authorities and enable other European stakeholders to include the local level in their strategies to fight racism. Through that ECCAR will strengthen the cooperation with other institutions, organisations and city networks committed to fighting racism and discrimination on a European level. With specific thematic Working Groups ECCAR will create forums for exchange & learning for its members around the topics of Antisemitism, Anti-Muslim Racism, Antigypsyism and the UN Decade for People of African Descent & Colonial Heritage. In addition to that advocacy campaigns and a General Conference will facilitate awareness raising of the values of a just and solidarity-based society standing united in diversity to combat racism.