As a forum for debates and peer exchanges between local and regional elected representatives from across Europe, the Congress responded to increasing extremism with proposals for action against hate speech and fake news. These were notably stemming from its 2022 report, and a 2024 debate against antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred, stressed Chair of the Congress’ Committee on Social Inclusion and Human Dignity Bryony Rudkin (SOC/G/PD, United Kingdom) in Heidelberg (Germany) on 23 September 2024.
Speaking in a panel discussion on “Cities United against Rising Right-Wing Extremism in Europe”, during the general conference of the European Coalition of Cities and Regions against Racism (ECCAR) held to mark the Coalition’s 20th anniversary, she underlined that local authorities played a crucial role in countering racism and extremism and fostering social inclusion and non-discrimination. It was notably up to them to offer a different narrative to their citizens.
The ECCAR event organised under the motto “Don’t Let Europe go Backwards” gathered numerous European human rights organisations, international organisations as well as experts from more than 100 municipalities, research institutions, and specialist agencies from all over Europe. In a three-day event, they will discuss practical examples of how to shape diverse and inclusive cities and better protect human rights at the local level.
