British human rights activist did not see racism in Kharkiv

17:43 18.06.2012

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British human rights activist did not see racism in Kharkiv

The Member of the Order of the British Empire for human rights in Central and Eastern Europe,  Clare Dimyon, didn't see racism manifestations in Ukraine.

Clare Dimyon reported about it at a meeting with Kharkiv city Mayor Hennady Kernes.

The human rights activist noted that the UEFA EURO 2012 became a feast of unity for all its participants and guests. She emphasized that she had paid a working visits to all countries of Central and Eastern Europe, except for the Republic of Belarus, but she «had never anywhere else seen such a good, sincere and hospitable attitude to the guests of the country like in Ukraine». Clare Dimyon was also impressed by polite law-enforcers and the clean metro in Kharkiv.

Mass media earlier reported that on May, 28 BBC broadcasted the programm «Stadiums of hate». The authors gathered the material which in their opinion told about the racism among the football fans of EURO 2012 host cities.

Clare Dimyon also emphasized that she had not seen a single manifestation of intolerant attitude to people of other races or nationalities during her stay in different cities of Ukraine and in Kharkiv as well.

«While planning to visit you I had certain prejudice but now it's gone. As a citizen of England I apologize on behalf of the whole Britain. It is not a trifle it is a a serious question which can't be ignored. This is a question of the honour of Great Britain and my honour as well. I have seen a lot of African and Asian people who feel themselves perfect and one can't say they feel stress or depression in your country. And the Dutch who spent EURO 2012 here express desire to come back to your city. All this tells that we can be true patriots and don't humiliate other nations at the same time», - Clare Dimyon noted.

Kharkiv city Mayor Hennady Kernes specified that about 300 thousand students study in Kharkiv and about 14% of them are foreigners. He emphasized that the city didn't create any special conditions for UEFA EURO 2012 to achieve tolerant attitude towards representatives of other countires.

After the meeting Clare Dimyon took part in press conference of city council.