Representatives of the Initiative of Black People in Germany eV (ISD), Zwarte Piet Niet, Zwarte Piet Kick Out and the European Network Against Racism (ENAR) discussed on Friday, 12 December 2014, the need for the racist caricature ‘Zwarte Piet’ in Nicholas Celebration abolished in Germany.
Berlin, 12.13.2014: At the meeting on Friday morning the representatives of the Dutch embassy could not explain why despite the condemnation of all forms of racist actions, still the St. Nicholas celebrations was held also this year with the racist caricature ‘Zwarte Piet’.
Furthermore, it was not possible to ensure a racism-free celebration of St. Nicholas in 2015 for all children, even after this meeting.
In the conversation it was drawn to attention to the far-reaching role model of the message for the Deutch people living in Germany.
- The parties agreed on the following points:
- The Embassy will hold a relevant parties in consultation;
- The Embassy acknowledges the fundamental right to a life free of discrimination;
- The Embassy agrees, no later than 31 January 2015, to propose concrete steps for a racism-free children’s celebration
Meanwhile, on Saturday, 13 December 2014, there will be a St. Nicholas parade in Potsdam, funded by taxpayers’ money. Unfortunately, the mayor and city council have failed to realize impartial and constructive suggestions for solutions. We regret that this is a renewed failure of the institutional side to implement the agreements ratified by Germany for the elimination of racial discrimination.
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