“No justice, no peace“
African Anti-Racism Society (AFARS) Finland is the only African-led organization leading social justice and anti-racism in Finland. We were triggered into action by the death of George Floyd and we work in the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote a modern civil rights and social justice agenda. This includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency, equal opportunities, and equity for all people in Finland regardless of ethnicity, religion, citizenship, criminal record, economic status, gender, gender expression, or sexuality.
INSTITUTIONAL DISCRIMINATION AND RACISM ADVOCACY
The right to equal justice, jobs, and education under the law should not be conditional or based upon a person’s color or economic status. AFARS is a vanguard movement to bring such equality to every community that has been unfairly treated. Using the principles of non-violent direct action and civil disobedience, AFARS engages to level the field and ensure a measure of justice for those who abuse their status or seek to dispense justice based upon race or other prejudicial factors. Police and law enforcement racial profiling, stop and frisk policing, and police brutality must be confronted. AFARS is committed to the principles and practices of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the tradition of non-violent engagement. Through its advocacy, AFARS continues to impact public policy and ensure that the police and government itself is held accountable to the law.
POLICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT BRUTALITY ADVOCACY
AFARS has been at the forefront of the fight to uphold police and law enforcement accountability, advocating locally. We issue public statements addressing racism and institutional discrimination, organize demonstrations and petition campaigns. AFARS has been leading the fight against police misconduct and other injustices by ensuring that those whose rights are violated find justice. AFARS’ efforts were on display in response to events involving the Ghanaian who died in the hands of the Helsinki Police in 2018, the first solidarity demonstration at the Helsinki Police station in the summer 2020, protests fully led by the African community in Finland for the death of George Floyd and the very same problems of police and security mistreatment targeting Africans in Finland, and other incidents ever since. We also offer legal assistance through referrals and helping victims seek justice and healing.
INFLUENCING PUBLIC DISCUSSION AND NARRATIVES
We recognize the need for an African people-driven process of creating fairer, more just and equal society in Finland for all. Therefore, AFARS has been committed in participating and influencing the public discussion around the issues of social justice and racism. Our purpose and goal is to raise the voices and tell the stories of Africans in Finland and the injustices they face as a result of institutional discrimination and white supremacy. Through awareness and advocacy, we aim to challenge the misinformed narratives, expose and deal with afrophobia and anti-blackness and to bring forth real change.