Racial discrimination is not confined to one region or country; it is a global phenomenon.

According to the United Nations, racial and ethnic minorities continue to face systemic inequalities in education, employment, and access to healthcare.

In the United States, Black Americans are nearly three times more likely to be killed by police than white Americans, highlighting the deadly consequences of racial bias.

Similarly, in South Africa, decades after apartheid, economic disparities between racial groups remain stark, with Black South Africans earning significantly less than their white counterparts.

These statistics underscore the enduring legacy of racism and the urgent need for transformative change.

Europe, often perceived as a bastion of progressive values, is not immune to racial discrimination.

Human Rights Watch said: “Official statistics published in May showed a new record high of registered politically motivated crimes, including a significant increase in attacks targeting housing for migrants and asylum seekers.

Among the total of 60,028 crimes, right-wing motivated crimes rose by 23 percent in 2023 compared to 2022 (from 23,493 to 28,945).”

These figures are not just numbers - they represent real people who face daily indignities, violence, and exclusion because of their race or ethnicity.

The rise of far-right movements and xenophobic rhetoric in Europe has only exacerbated these challenges, creating an environment where racial discrimination is increasingly normalized.

From France to Hungary, populist leaders are exploiting fears about immigration and cultural change to stoke division and justify discriminatory policies.

This rise in right-wing extremism threatens to undo decades of progress in the fight against racism.

It also highlights the importance of speaking out against racial discrimination today.

“Silence is complicity, and in the face of rising intolerance, we must reaffirm our commitment to equality and justice,” says Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff.

Racial discrimination is not just a moral issue; it is a threat to social cohesion, democracy, and global stability.

By confronting racism head-on, we can build a more inclusive and equitable world for future generations.

Each of us has a role to play in challenging racial prejudice, whether through education, advocacy, or simply speaking out against discriminatory behaviour.

Together, we can create a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

The fight against racial discrimination is far from over, but with collective effort and unwavering determination, we can build a future defined by equality and justice.

The time to act is now.