European Coalition of Cities against Racism is an initiative launched by UNESCO in 2004 to establish a network of cities interested in sharing experiences in order to improve their policies to put an end to racism. Together, equipped with knowledge and experience, we have the power to transform cities into safe and inclusive spaces for all of us. Our mission is to empower cities by supplying them with all the tools to take action. Ultimately resulting into cities for us all.
10 Points Action Plan
At the heart of our work lies the 10 Points Action Plan, adopted on 10 December 2004 in Nuremberg. It remains open for signature by European cities wishing to join the Coalition of Cities against Racism on the basis of these commitments. The signatory cities undertake to integrate within their strategies and action programmes the Plan of Action and to commit to it the human, financial and material resources required for its effective implementation.
Cities as agents of change
Cities stand at the heart of profound transformations affecting the entire planet. The international conventions, recommendations and declarations elaborated at the upstream level need to be ratified and implemented by the States. At the same time, it is extremely important to involve all the actors on the ground, especially communities affected by racism, to make sure that those international and national instruments are applied and respond to concrete problems. In times of growing globalization and urbanization, the municipalities are a key factor in ensuring that all their citizens, regardless of their nationality, ethnic, cultural, religious or social origin, can live in dignity, security and justice.
ECCAR is a part of the International Coalition for Inclusive and Sustainable Cities (ICCAR)
The International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities – ICCAR was launched by UNESCO in 2004 to assist local authorities in combating discrimination in their capacity as policy maker and service provider in areas as diverse as education, employment, housing provision and cultural activities.
Since its inception, and its revitalization in 2014, ICCAR has grown to become an active global front against racism and discriminations with over 500 members across the globe. ICCAR has become a reference as a unique city-level platform in the UN system and in the international community. It undertakes a wide range of initiatives including policymaking, capacity-building and awareness-raising activities. It advocates for global solidarity and collaboration to promote inclusive urban development free from all forms of discrimination.