Red Cross joins Government campaign to combat racism

Equity is a strong and integral part of the values and principles of the Red Cross. The Red Cross welcomes the fact that a large group actors in society have been challenged to take action against racism.  

– The Finnish Red Cross is committed to promoting equity and actively working to combat racism in both the organisation’s own operations and in society at large. Combating racism and intervening in racist activities are ways of defending human dignity. We have been engaged in anti-racism work for decades, says Marja Lehtimäki, Director of National Programmes and Organisational Development at the Red Cross. 

The Red Cross views participating in the campaign as an opportunity to make racism visible in society and promote tangible anti-racism action. The measures promoted in the campaign are already part of the Red Cross’s action plan or Equality Plan. Their progress is being monitored as part of the society's regular reporting. 

– We all have prejudices and subconscious attitudes. It is only human. The work against racism in our organisation is based on recognising our prejudices so that they do not affect our operation. We all have a duty to tackle racism in our own operating environment, Lehtimäki says.  

Racism hurts both its victims and society as a whole. Therefore, the Red Cross hopes that the measures of the campaign would not be forgotten after the campaign, but integrated into structures and ongoing operations.  

– It is important that the Government emphasises individual duty and responsibility to intervene in discrimination and also commits to it itself. As individuals, decision-makers play an important role in setting the tone for public debate. A polite discussion style and public commitment to equality and solutions aimed at non-discrimination serve as an example to everyone, Lehtimäki concludes.