Advocating for Recognition of Race and Ethnicity in France and Germany-Tottenham Haringey
Advocating for Recognition of Race and Ethnicity in France and Germany-Tottenham Haringey
Why this petition matters
John Canoe and ADEJA: Advocating for Recognition of Race and Ethnicity in France and Germany to Combat Discrimination
Introduction
In the global fight against racial and ethnic discrimination, France and Germany stand as prominent European nations with diverse populations. However, despite their cultural richness, both countries face challenges in effectively addressing issues of racial and ethnic discrimination due to the absence of explicit recognition of race and ethnicity in their legal frameworks. In this article, we explore the collaboration between John Canoe, an advocate for reparatory justice, and the African Diaspora Equity and Justice Alliance (ADEJA) in pushing for the recognition of race and ethnicity in France and Germany's legal systems. This initiative aims to facilitate more robust measures to combat discrimination and investigate reports of abuse against Black and Mixed-Black individuals within their territories.
Understanding ADEJA
ADEJA, the African Diaspora Equity and Justice Alliance, is a transformative initiative conceived and established by Reparation Nation Limited, headquartered in London. Unlike conventional approaches that seek funding or partnership, ADEJA seeks the endorsement of its vision, dedicated to creating a Black African Autonomous Entity for Empowerment and Reparatory Justice. It advocates for the interests, welfare, and historical justice of the IC3 Black community, focusing on holistic betterment and independence without external financial dependency.
Comparing UK, French, and German Race and Ethnicity Codes
The UK Government's race and ethnicity codes, particularly the British Police IC codes, provide a more detailed classification system compared to France and Germany. The UK's classification includes IC3 for Black individuals, which specifically identifies individuals of Black African descent. In contrast, France and Germany lack such granularity, typically categorizing individuals into broader groups like North African, Sub-Saharan African, Asian, and European.
It is true that by French and German standards, a white person could potentially belong to any of the categories "North African," "Sub-Saharan African," "Asian," and/or "European," depending on their specific origins or cultural affiliations.
For example:
A white person with North African ancestry (such as from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, etc.) could be classified as "North African" due to their familial or ancestral ties to that region.
A white person from South Africa, which is part of the African continent, could be classified as "Sub-Saharan African."
A white person of Russian, Turkish, or Central Asian descent could be classified as "Asian" in some contexts, as these regions are often included in the broader category of Asia.
A white person with European ancestry could be classified as "European" based on their nationality, country of origin, or cultural background.
It's important to note that these categories are not exclusive to individuals of a certain race or skin color but are instead based on various factors such as ancestry, nationality, cultural heritage, and geographic origins. Additionally, individuals may self-identify differently based on their own perceptions of their identity and cultural affiliations. Therefore, while these categories provide a framework for understanding diversity and cultural backgrounds, they do not necessarily imply a specific racial or ethnic identity.
The Problem with France and Germany
The absence of explicit recognition of race and ethnicity in France and Germany's legal frameworks poses significant challenges in combating racial and ethnic discrimination. Without specific provisions targeting discrimination based on race and ethnicity, these countries struggle to effectively address the unique challenges faced by racially and ethnically marginalized groups. Moreover, the lack of detailed classification systems may lead to overlooking systemic discrimination and hinder efforts to promote equality and inclusion.
Challenges in Advocating for Change
Advocating for the recognition of race and ethnicity in France and Germany's legal systems presents several challenges. These include bureaucratic resistance, cultural biases, and reluctance to acknowledge systemic discrimination. Additionally, entrenched societal norms and historical legacies may contribute to skepticism or opposition towards policy reforms aimed at addressing racial and ethnic inequalities.
Overcoming Challenges through Collective Action
John Canoe's collaboration with ADEJA and other organizations such as the Reparations Masons, the Rastafari Community, the IC3CSI (IC3 Black, Crime Scene Investigators), the Black National Party (BNP), and the White People Protection League (WPPL) offers a multifaceted approach to overcoming these challenges. Weekly meetings at Reparation Corner in Tottenham, Haringey, provide a platform for dialogue, strategizing, and mobilizing support for advocating change.
Strategies for Advocacy
Legal Advocacy: Engage legal experts and human rights organizations to draft policy proposals and legal frameworks that explicitly recognize race and ethnicity in France and Germany's legislation.
Community Mobilization: Organize grassroots campaigns and public awareness initiatives to garner support from diverse communities, emphasizing the importance of recognizing race and ethnicity in combating discrimination.
Political Lobbying: Lobby policymakers, legislators, and government officials to prioritize the inclusion of race and ethnicity in anti-discrimination laws and policies, highlighting the need for comprehensive measures to address systemic inequalities.
International Collaboration: Forge alliances with international organizations, advocacy groups, and diplomatic channels to exert pressure on France and Germany to align with global standards of human rights and equality.
Data Collection and Research: Conduct research and data collection efforts to document instances of racial and ethnic discrimination, providing empirical evidence to support advocacy efforts and policy reforms.
Conclusion
The collaboration between John Canoe, ADEJA, and other advocacy groups exemplifies a concerted effort to address racial and ethnic discrimination in France and Germany. By advocating for the recognition of race and ethnicity in their legal frameworks, these initiatives seek to promote equality, justice, and inclusion for all individuals, regardless of their background. Through collective action and persistent advocacy, there is hope for meaningful change that will dismantle systemic barriers and pave the way for a more equitable and just society. If individuals wish to contribute to these efforts, they are encouraged to attend the weekly meetings at Reparation Corner in Tottenham, West Green Road, Haringey.
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