In today’s society cases of intolerance towards other people on the basis of their beliefs, racial or ethnic origin still occur. In the history of Lithuania one could find great examples of tolerance, but deeply rooted prejudices and newly formed ethnical stereotypes, fear of immigration and a sense of an insecure future stimulate unfounded opinions and behaviour, which often violate a person’s dignity. In order to ensure equal opportunities for all irrespective of their ethnic origin, such inappropriate behaviour must be recognized and changed.
The definition ‘“racism’“ involves not only discrimination on the basis of the colour of one’s skin, but has a much broader meaning, encompassing ethnicity, nationality or religion. Racism may appear in different forms, starting from personal attitude and verbal abuse to discriminative acts and even violence or well-organised extreme right outbursts.
Roma people, refugees or foreigners sometimes become direct victims of unfavourable provisions, discrimination or violence. Disparaging and unfounded generalisations occasionally appear in public speeches. Food for racism and anti-Semitism is given by the media, which is often guided by stereotypes. Additionally, fascist elements seeking attention may encourage racism. An intolerant and fearful society can be easily manipulated.
In Lithuania various persons belonging to different national, ethnic or religious groups face unfavourable treatment. In 2005 the Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsman received 15 complaints concerning discrimination based on ethnicity.
According to the data provided by the Centre for Ethnic Studies, Roma people, Chechens, refugees and Muslims are regarded with disfavour most of all in Lithuania. The (Council of Europe) European Commission against Racism and Intolerance has expressed its concern about the complicated situation of refugees and Lithuanian Roma people. Public institutions are incapable of taking effective measures to help socially excluded groups to integrate, while society often tends to condemn them. Careless and unfounded generalisations, such as ‘“they are all like that’“ often harm innocent people, belonging to “disliked“ national or religious groups
Although extreme rightist parties are not in large in numbers in Lithuania, they maintain hatred and popularise ideas of placing people in unequal categories. For this reason, not all members of society can feel safe.
Lithuanian Jewish cemeteries and commemorative Holocaust places frequently suffer from acts of vandalism. Anti-Semite essays occasionally appear in national newspapers.
Foreigners suffer from disadvantageous provisions and violence as well. Due to economic growth and shortages in the labour force the number of foreign workers will definitely increase. These people often are not familiar with the local context and consequently are more vulnerable, not knowing where to apply for help or not daring to search for assistance.
The definition ‘“racism’“ involves not only discrimination on the basis of the colour of one’s skin, but has a much broader meaning, encompassing ethnicity, nationality or religion. Racism may appear in different forms, starting from personal attitude and verbal abuse to discriminative acts and even violence or well-organised extreme right outbursts.
Roma people, refugees or foreigners sometimes become direct victims of unfavourable provisions, discrimination or violence. Disparaging and unfounded generalisations occasionally appear in public speeches. Food for racism and anti-Semitism is given by the media, which is often guided by stereotypes. Additionally, fascist elements seeking attention may encourage racism. An intolerant and fearful society can be easily manipulated.
In Lithuania various persons belonging to different national, ethnic or religious groups face unfavourable treatment. In 2005 the Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsman received 15 complaints concerning discrimination based on ethnicity.
According to the data provided by the Centre for Ethnic Studies, Roma people, Chechens, refugees and Muslims are regarded with disfavour most of all in Lithuania. The (Council of Europe) European Commission against Racism and Intolerance has expressed its concern about the complicated situation of refugees and Lithuanian Roma people. Public institutions are incapable of taking effective measures to help socially excluded groups to integrate, while society often tends to condemn them. Careless and unfounded generalisations, such as ‘“they are all like that’“ often harm innocent people, belonging to “disliked“ national or religious groups
Although extreme rightist parties are not in large in numbers in Lithuania, they maintain hatred and popularise ideas of placing people in unequal categories. For this reason, not all members of society can feel safe.
Lithuanian Jewish cemeteries and commemorative Holocaust places frequently suffer from acts of vandalism. Anti-Semite essays occasionally appear in national newspapers.
Foreigners suffer from disadvantageous provisions and violence as well. Due to economic growth and shortages in the labour force the number of foreign workers will definitely increase. These people often are not familiar with the local context and consequently are more vulnerable, not knowing where to apply for help or not daring to search for assistance.
Everything depends on us. Do you want to be a racist?
Literature : http://www.libertysecurity.org/article838.html
www.enar-eu.org/en/publication/national_leaflets/Lithuania_EN.pdf
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