Topic: Eliminating Racism
Country: Poland
Delegate Name: Katelyn Coghlan
School: Saline High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Poland position papers GLIMUN 2009 committees
Poland has racism in their country just as all countries do. Poland consists mainly of Caucasians, and has individuals and groups that discriminate against Blacks and people of Asian descent. There is also some discrimination against Jewish individuals. Many of this crime is seen in the form of riots, chants and hate crimes committed against certain groups on individuals.
Many say that the racism is not seen as much in the large cities, due to the diversity in them, as in many European countries. Racism has been mostly in the sporting events of Poland, where hurtful racial chants and banners are shown. Many racist groups use sports as their outlet to discriminate. Graffiti and banners are seen supporting the Ku Klux Klan and “white power”, that are associated with the country’s major sporting team. The chairman of Legia (one of Poland’s major teams) seems to think that 15 to 20 percent of his supporters are neo-Nazis.
There are not many organizations in Poland trying to eliminate racism, and the few that there are, are not supported by the government. There are many hate crimes committed by racist groups against Blacks, Asians and Jewish individuals. There are many neo-Nazi groups, and the numbers of young people joining these groups are alarming. Poland’s government does not feel like there is a problem with racial discrimination in their country, but does not ban anti-racial groups.
Since Poland’s government allows groups and individuals to believe and practice what they want, Poland is open to most reasonable suggestions for reform.
