Launch event in Cologne calls for solidarity and overcoming all forms of racism

The festive kick-off of the International Weeks against Racism took place on March 18, 2022 in Cologne-Ehrenfeld. Public figures such as Dr. Felix Klein, the Federal Government Commissioner for Anti-Semitism, and Dr. Jürgen Micksch, Managing Director of the Foundation for the International Weeks against Racism, attended the event. Representatives of various religions were also present, including Gregor Stiels, chairman of the Catholic Committee, Anna Karolina Brychcy, second chairwoman of the German Buddhist Union, Zemfira Dlovani, chairwoman of the Central Council of Yazidis in Germany, Abdassamad El Yazidi, spokesman for the Coordination Council of Muslims in Germany and Khushwant Singh from the SikhiCouncil.

The event at the VIKZ mosque and the subsequent Weeks of Action Against Racism, which will take place from March 14 to 27, commemorate the historic Sharpeville massacre on March 21, 1960, when 69 South Africans, including women and children, were shot dead by police officers while protesting against discriminatory laws and apartheid. In response to this racially motivated act of violence, the United Nations declared March 21 as the “International Day to Overcome Racial Discrimination” in 1966. In Germany, events to mark the UN Day against Racism began in 1995. The urgency of this issue has not diminished even after 62 years. Accordingly, the various religious communities are also planning numerous campaigns this year.

Advocating for the Common Good

In his speech, Dr. Felix Klein acknowledged the importance of the joint commitment of all social actors, including religious communities, to overcoming racism. He stated: “The attacks in Hanau and Halle have shown that anti-Semitism and racism often go hand in hand. That is why it is important that we join forces to combat dehumanization practices.” Jürgen Micksch, the initiator of the International Weeks against Racism, said: “Especially now, it is crucial to collectively show our commitment to peaceful coexistence, solidarity with refugees from all backgrounds, and opposition to any form of racism and discrimination." Khushwant Singh emphasized: “Once we learn to see the world and its guests as sacred in themselves, we will protect all places and inhabitants of this earth intuitively. Then we work for the common good and no longer just for the group we identify with and therefore consider particularly worthy of protection.”

The SikhiCouncil is an independent voluntary initiative. It provides insights into Gurmat, timeless spiritual wisdom that has been handed down in writing (Gurbani). It enables creating unity while embracing diversity. On the basis of Gurmat, which is at the heart of the fifth largest world religion, Sikhi, the Council fosters respectful exchange among and with Sikhs of the younger generations as well as interfaith dialogue. It is committed to peaceful coexistence and Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB). In line with the UN 2030 Agenda (SDGs), the Council focuses on well-being, education, environmental protection, peace, and global partnerships. The SikhiCouncil is also available as a point of contact for media, educational and healthcare institutions, and government agencies. Among others, it collaborates with the Global Ethic Foundation (Stiftung Weltethos), the Foundation against Racism, and SikhTeachings.