Addressing Racism and Xenophobia against Migrant and Minority Women in the OSCE Region

This event has now concluded. The recording is available here.

This webinar will feature a live panel discussion on racism and xenophobia facing migrant and minority women, with a focus on how events in 2020 have shaped and exacerbated such intolerance. During the event, civil society representatives and youth activists will share their experiences in addressing racism, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance. They will also explore how organizations like the OSCE can amplify the voices of women from these communities and leverage their critical role in addressing racism and xenophobia.

Speakers

Speakers at the event will include:

• Sara Mardini – refugee, human rights defender, and search and rescue swimmer from Syria
• Natalia Duminică – Roma rights advocate from Moldova
• Mariaam Bhatti – campaigner on the rights of migrant workers, member of the European Commission’s Expert Group on Migration
• Hau-Yu Tam – community activist campaigning against racism and for civil society empowerment

Following a Q&A session, closing remarks will be made by Dr. Regina Polak, the OSCE Chair’s Personal Representative on Combating Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination, also focusing on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians and Members of Other Religions.

Why it is important

Despite OSCE commitments on tolerance and non-discrimination, across the OSCE region individuals from migrant and minority communities continue to be discriminated against and targeted in hate-motivated incidents simply because of who they are.

The events of 2020 – including the COVID-19 pandemic – have had particularly dire consequences for women from these communities. They have faced a surge in gender-based hate crimes and violence, while also being singled out for racist abuse. Women from Roma and Sinti communities, migrant  women (including refugees), and women of East Asian descent have been particular targets in this regard.

At the same time, women of African descent have also experienced hate-motivated attacks in response to anti-racism protests in the United States and elsewhere, while women from religious or belief communities continue to be subjected to intolerance and discrimination.

The multiple and intersecting forms of bias that migrant and minority women face very often compound the trauma and vulnerabilities they experience. Giving voice to and understanding their concerns is a first step in addressing racism and xenophobia.

Registration and live streaming

Those interested in participating can register for the event:

https://odihr-pl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PGIFRwMgTfGtSif0Dyn8tg​

Registered participants can choose between one of three languages: English, Russian or Romani.

This event will be streamed live in English on ODIHR's Facebook page (link to follow).