GUE/NGL Vice-President Malin Björk has said that she won't give in to threats, hate, and online abuse she has received over a discussion she is hosting today on Afrophobia.

The discussion will focus on blackfacing and stereotyped representations of black people that reinforce deeply ingrained negative stereotypes and perpetuate power structures within European societies, leading to high levels of discrimination.

The Swedish MEP said: “We must never give in to hate and threats. We have a responsibility to uphold principles of equality and non-discrimination. Having a balanced debate on a reality faced by millions of Europeans is part of this responsibility, and should not result in an avalanche of hate speech. However, since the last elections we have seen more of that even inside the Parliament.”

“All European countries have these issues of Afrophobia to do away with and face up to,” continued Björk. “Traditions and culture must evolve. And in that process, the most valuable voices are those of people that experience Afrophobia. It is time to listen. To listen and to evolve! Today we have that chance.”

GUE/NGL Press Contacts:
Emily Macintosh +32 470 85 05 08
David Lundy +32 470 85 05 09
Gay Kavanagh +32 473 84 23 20
European United Left / Nordic Green Left
European Parliamentary Group