BIC BRUSSELS — The Brussels Office of the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) has released a statement outlining several principles that it suggests could inform European Union (EU) policies and societal approaches to combating racism.

The statement, titled “Towards A European Union Anti-Racism Strategy,” comes as the EU deliberates on the next phase of its anti-racism efforts, nearly five years after the launch of its first-ever Anti-Racism Action Plan 2020–2025. That plan was introduced in the wake of global demonstrations in 2020 calling for racial justice.

The BIC statement emphasizes the need for a more fundamental change, as racism remains one of the most pressing obstacles to social progress. “Without a wholehearted embrace of the principle that humanity is indivisible, the perpetuation of arbitrary and imaginary divisions—of ‘us’ versus ‘them’—will continue to deepen the fragmentation of society,” the statement reads.

It further states that purely punitive measures, though necessary, will not address the root causes of racism.

Rachel Bayani of the Brussels Office, in a conversation with the News Service, explained that lasting change requires more than legal frameworks alone. “There is a need for transformative policies that foster a deeper understanding of humanity’s shared identity—and this needs everyone’s participation”

The statement warns against oversimplified narratives that might inadvertently deepen existing divisions and outlines several important dimensions of an effective anti-racism strategy, including the need for transformative policies, universal participation, community collaboration, and educational approaches that foster commitment to all of humanity.

Drawing on experiences from Bahá’í community-building efforts around the world, Ms. Bayani noted that neighborhoods play a vital role in efforts to nurture societal unity.

“When people come together in their local communities to work on a shared goal—something that serves the well-being of everyone—it creates natural opportunities to connect, learn from each other’s experiences, and strengthen bonds of trust,” she said. “It is through these kinds of purposeful interactions that a deeper understanding of our shared humanity can take root.”

The statement highlights how this transformative process must engage all segments of society, with special attention to youth as catalysts for change. “Their innate ability to be active agents of change and to lead these efforts should be fully nurtured and encouraged,” it states. “Youth must be at the forefront of initiatives to foster new relationships among diverse populations at the grassroots level. When adequately supported, youth have a remarkable capacity to bring people together, organizing and engaging in activities that enhance the well-being of entire communities.”

Ms. Bayani further emphasized that nurturing this potential means ensuring they are meaningfully included in spaces where significant decisions are made. “Efforts to involve diverse young people in shaping the future of Europe is crucial—a future where every young person, regardless of background, feels they belong and can actively contribute to building a more just and unified society,” she said.

The statement, which can be viewed here, builds on the BIC’s ongoing efforts to contribute to discourse on societal harmony.