Outdoor industry unites against racism and intolerance

The European Outdoor Group (EOG) has issued a statement against racism and discrimination. European outdoor manufacturers warned of increasing mistrust and discrimination in Europe.

"Intolerance, whether it be based on xenophobia, racism, or antisemitism, has no rational foundation and the members of the EOG will work to counter such at every opportunity", the statement says: "Humanity, diversity, tolerance and mutual respect are part of the DNA of outdoor companies and at present, these values are being questioned by a vociferous minority."

The reason for the EOG statement is a shitstorm of right-wing circles against a outdoor company , which in an initiative advocates the right to stay of rejected asylum seekers by granting migrants with a permanent job who have immigrated via the asylum system a secure perspective of residence.

"Recent events in Germany, where there have been examples of outdoor companies being attacked on social media for stating clearly that discrimination and intolerance have no place in our modern society, have led us to publish a statement on behalf of all members of the European Outdoor Group (EOG).

At present we appear to be witnessing a change in the social and political landscapes of Europe and this is causing us great concern.  Extremist voices are spreading distrust and discrimination and we are all too aware of where this has led Europe in the past.

The principles of equality and non-discrimination are laid down in the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” (Article 1).  This was further strengthened by the European Convention on Human Rights and specifically, Article 14 and Protocol 12.  The outdoor sector, as represented by the European Outdoor Group, supports these declarations and states clearly that:

1. Intolerance, whether it be based on xenophobia, racism, or antisemitism, has no rational foundation and the members of the EOG will work to counter such at every opportunity.
2. Discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, gender, religious beliefs, language, culture or any other of the many grounds that we now see, is utterly opposed by the membership of the EOG.

We absolutely reject all extremist tendencies of whatever kind and will not tolerate them within our companies.  Humanity, diversity, tolerance and mutual respect are part of the DNA of outdoor companies and at present, these values are being questioned by a vociferous minority.  This is something that we oppose, and we believe in a society that is open, diverse and democratic.

Relying on a silent majority to uphold those values is not enough and this is why we have chosen to set out our position in this statement."