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20.09.2018

City of Joensuu, University of Eastern Finland and the Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland condemn racism

A racist incident involving two international students of the University of Eastern Finland as victims took place in Joensuu yesterday, on Tuesday 18 September 2018. The City of Joensuu and the University of Eastern Finland strongly condemn the act.

“Already before, the City of Joensuu, including its office holders and decision-makers, and the people of Joensuu, have condemned all acts of racism and violence, and they continue to do so also now,” says Kari Karjalainen, Mayor of the City of Joensuu.

Statistics made available by the police do not indicate an increase in racism in Joensuu. Nevertheless, the City of Joensuu has decided to address the issue, and the city’s working group dealing with matters relating to city safety will convene in the coming weeks. Representatives of the university will also be invited to attend the meeting.

Working together with the authorities and organisations, the city seeks to chart ways and methods of combating racism and violence.

“We need to be able to guarantee the physical and mental integrity and safety of our residents and visitors, regardless of their nationality,” Mayor Karjalainen continues.

University is concerned about the general atmosphere

“The University of Eastern Finland strongly condemns all racist incidents and attacks. We are also concerned about the atmosphere these kinds of incidents and attacks are creating,” Rector Jukka Mönkkönen says.

The University of Eastern Finland has a zero-tolerance policy for racism. Rector Mönkkönen emphasises that the safety of all students and staff members is a primary concern for the university.

Immediate crisis care has been made available to the victims, and the university is processing the case with several different authorities and stakeholders.

“We will also make sure that the victims have an opportunity to discuss the happenings in a debriefing session,” Director of Administration Tuomo Meriläinen from the University of Eastern Finland says.

The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY) also condemns the act, and does not tolerate racism.