European Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
Resolutions
Adopted by the EFJ AGM held in Nuremberg, Germany, May 26-28, 2000

9. Racism, xenophobia and intolerance From the National Union of Journalists (Great Britain) This AGM notes that the entry of the far-right Freedom Party into the Austrian government has caused outrage among people in Austria and throughout Europe. It has lead to an unprecedented reaction by the European Union and to large demonstrations in Vienna and other European cities. AGM equally notes that the raise of Haider in electoral popularity is not just an Austrian phenomenon. Other racist-populist political movements have gained support in European countries such as France, Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland; Germany and Spain. AGM recalls that the IFJ has initiated in the last few years a wide range of activities on racism, xenophobia and intolerance, including the successful international conference "Prime Time for Tolerance" in Bilbao, building up a solid record of working to raise awareness among journalists on the dangers of racist and extremist political movements and their attempts to manipulate media and on the role of journalists in combating racism. AGM agrees that the decision by the IFJ Executive to prioritise these activities and campaigns on these issues has been vindicated by the current development of the European extreme-right and the increasing threat posed by ethnic conflict. AGM regrets that most of the EFJ affiliates choose not to be involved in this work making it difficult to achieve all the objectives of the programme of action set out by the Bilbao Declaration. AGM therefore calls on all the EFJ affiliates to support and participate in the activities of the International Media Working Group against Racism and Xenophobia.