Candidates in the upcoming European Parliament election were encouraged by The People for Change Foundation to endorse a pledge against racism, and to ensure that political discourse and actions during the campaign do not promote, instigate or condone racism and xenophobia.

In a letter sent to all candidates, the People for Change Foundation recalled the important role that politicians play as opinion leaders in Malta, noting that this implied the need for a strong unequivocal statement by those at the heart of the political stage against racism.

In particular, the pledge calls on candidates:

To send a consistent and clear message that they reject racism in all its guises

To deal responsibly and fairly with sensitive topics relating to migrant groups and ethnic minorities, including asylum seekers and refugees; to safeguard their dignity and avoid their stigmatization 

To adopt appropriate, accurate and sensitive language when referring to and discussing migration and migrant groups in order to avoid fuelling xenophobia, unfounded fear, crisis and moral panic

To condemn, and wherever possible stop, any materials or statements that intentionally or indirectly incite hatred or express prejudice on the grounds of race, colour, nationality or national origin, ethnic background, migrant and legal status or religious belief

To refrain from political alliance or association with any political party, or organization that incites ethnic prejudice and racial hatred

This call follows a similar initiative conducted in July 2013 with members of the Maltese parliament and other politicians. More information is available on www.pfcmalta.org. Updates from responses by candidates will also be posted on this website