Voices Against Racism: Experiences from Finland
19.03.2024
“From enduring stereotypes to facing systemic barriers across various facets of life, the harsh reality of racism looms large in everyday interactions.”
The primary aim of the blog is to unravel the intricate layers of racism in Finland, shedding light on its various forms and proposing effective intervention strategies. Racism, a deeply ingrained societal ill, manifests in diverse ways, ranging from explicit acts of discrimination to subtle yet insidious microaggressions that erode the dignity of individuals. These forms include verbal abuse, systemic oppression, cultural appropriation, and more, collectively weaving a web of inequality that marginalises specific groups within society.
Recent studies, such as the comprehensive 13-member state analysis by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, starkly position Finland as one of the most racist countries in the European Union. Shockingly, 43% of people of African descent in Finland reported experiencing racial harassment in the past year, a figure higher than in any of the other 12 surveyed countries. This proportion rose to a staggering 52% when respondents were asked about racial harassment over the past five years. The study underlines the prevalence of racial discrimination, particularly targeting young women, highly educated individuals, and those wearing religious clothing.
Drawing from my personal experiences, navigating life as a person of colour in Finland has been riddled with challenges. From enduring stereotypes to facing systemic barriers across various facets of life, the harsh reality of racism looms large in everyday interactions. These firsthand encounters underscore the urgency of addressing racism head-on and dismantling the structures that perpetuate it.
Education emerges as a powerful tool in the fight against racism, serving as a catalyst for awareness, understanding, and change. By equipping individuals with the knowledge to recognize and challenge their biases, educational interventions pave the way for meaningful dialogue and collective action. Research, exemplified in documents such as “Examining a community intervention to help White people understand race and racism and engage in anti-racist behaviours,” highlights the efficacy of such interventions in fostering empathy, reducing prejudice, and promoting social cohesion.
However, combatting racism requires more than individual awareness; it demands concerted efforts at the societal level. Community-based initiatives, including dialogue groups and workshops, offer invaluable platforms for individuals to come together, share experiences, and co-create solutions. These grassroots movements not only empower participants to confront racism but also foster solidarity and allyship across diverse communities.
To bolster these efforts, the “Learn, Speak up, Act!” initiative, spearheaded by the United Nations Human Rights Office, stands as a global call to combat racism, discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance worldwide. Emphasising education on the history of racism and human rights, advocating for speaking out against injustices, and stressing the need for concrete actions, this initiative aligns with established frameworks such as the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), and the International Decade for People of African Descent 2015-2024. Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, underscores the urgency of galvanising global consensus and collective action to confront racism and racial discrimination.
In conclusion, addressing racism in Finland necessitates a multifaceted approach that combines education, advocacy, and community engagement. By amplifying marginalised voices, challenging entrenched systems of oppression, and fostering empathy and understanding, we can strive towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Let us commit to the ongoing work of dismantling racism and building a future where everyone can thrive, regardless of race or ethnicity.
Adel Rizvi
Member of the Board of UNYouth of Finland, treasurer
References:
- EU Agency for Fundamental Rights. (2023). Being Black in the EU – Experiences of people of African descent
- “Examining a community intervention to help White people understand race and racism and engage in anti-racist behaviours.” (Banks, Kira Hudson; Desdune, Jasmine; Johnson, Tanesha R.; Green, Kyara Published in: Journal of community & applied social psychology 2023-03, Vol.33 (2), p.287-299 )
- “Learn, Speak up, Act!” Initiative by the United Nations Human Rights Office.
- International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).
- Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA).
- International Decade for People of African Descent 2015-2024.