Colorful conference on Human Rights Day
Since 1950, Human Rights Day has commemorated the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. The alliance "Bunt statt braun in Stadt und Kreis Offenbach" has been campaigning against exclusion and discrimination and for people to meet in mutual respect since 2012. In recent years, it has regularly organized various events and rallies for this purpose, including in December 2023: For this day, the alliance, together with the Free Religious Community, which took on the patronage of the event, had invited people to an all-day conference to encourage interested parties to get involved and to discuss proposed solutions for working against discrimination, racism and violence.
More than 30 citizens and members of the alliance came to the children's, youth and cultural center in Sandgasse. At the opening, members of the alliance explained why the current resurgence of right-wing extremism requires better networking between the individual players. In his welcoming address, City Treasurer Martin Wilhelm thanked those present on behalf of the City of Offenbach for their commitment against hatred and agitation and for a society based on solidarity.
Afterwards, methodical workshops on the topics of "Gender-specific discrimination", "Non-violent communication", "Everyday discrimination" and "Discrimination and racism on the internet" were used to develop strategies for dealing with conflict situations. During the break, the Sikh community provided a delicious lunch.
In the plenary session at the end of the event, many of the participants said that they had gained new ideas and inspiration for their future work and personal commitment. Everyone agreed that there should be more exchange in the future, including about planned events and projects. The "Bunt statt braun" alliance is hoping for more supporters so that the necessary work of the anti-racist alliance in the city and district of Offenbach can continue successfully.
The event was sponsored by the Partnership for Democracy City of Offenbach am Main as part of the federal program "Demokratie leben!" of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth and the state program "Hessen - aktiv für Demokratie und gegen Extremismus" of the Hessian Ministry of the Interior and Sport. The Partnership for Democracy Offenbach am Main is committed to promoting democracy and countering extremism. It is organized by the DRK Kreisverband Offenbach e.V. on behalf of the City of Offenbach am Main, Municipal Prevention Office (Public Order Office).