Have you or someone you know been affected by racism while visiting or living in Moscow? Do you feel called to help create positive change on issues of race? Join the MPC Racial Task Force (RTF)! The RTF monitors issues of race in Moscow, reports incidents of race-motivated violence and harassment and advocates for survivors.
Overview
The Task Force on Racial Violence and Harassment was established by members of the Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy (MPC) in 2001 in response to pervasive racism and xenophobia, which affects the lives of foreigners living in Russia every day. Its aim was to record and report on racially motivated attacks and harassment against people of color in the Moscow region. In doing so, the Task Force sought to contribute to the discussion of the presence of racism in Moscow, since no reliable statistics were available on the full extent of racially motivated crimes at the time. Members of the Task Force interview and counsel victims of racially motivated attacks, and publish results in quarterly and annual reports.
MPC collects data and disseminates quarterly reports to human rights agencies in hopes of drawing attention to the issue and reducing the frequency of violence against minorities.
What We Provide
* Medical Clinic: provides treatment and counseling for victims of racially motivated attacks.
* Parish Center: safe haven for people to gather provides Russian and English language courses as well as computer classes.
* Policy Change: petition the Russian government to enforce legislation which protects victims of xenophobic activity.
* Information Campaigns: educate the African community of the dangers of living in Moscow.
* Liaisons: inform the African Embassies on the conditions of the reality of their citizens in Russia.
* Racism Education Campaigns: informing Russian nationals and the Moscow community.
Task Force News
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Community Event
The Task Force’s first community event was kicked off last Saturday, July 21, with a football match. Members from the African community and MPC congregation attended the event, which took place on the football fields at MGU university. Russians in the area even joined in on the fun! We warmed up with different football drills and then played a full-on game, ending with a tie. The event ended with snacks and mingling among one another, leaving with new friends and looking forward to the next event.
 
 
 
 
Join us next time! Check our page for updates about our next event.
MOSCOW (MPC) is happy to announce the recommencement of the Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy (MPC) Racial Task Force’s (RTF) activities after a brief pause in its programs. At the end of January 2012, MPC hired Jennifer Voecks as the new Racial Task Force Coordinator to resume its mission in Moscow, Russia.
Reports – We are again collecting reports on racial violence and harassment and will publish quarterly and annual reports.
Providing support and aid to victims of attacks – We are trying to improve the support we provide to victims of racial attacks by offering therapy sessions, safety materials, medical care and legal aid.
Community events – We will be having monthly events including sports games and picnics, museum outings, and many other parts of Russian society to bring people together to have fun and learn more about Russia.
Website – We will be launching a website this fall focused on educating Russian society on issues of racism in Russia, but also to inform individuals considering moving to Russia.
Working together with other civil rights groups on racism in Russia – By bringing together our efforts, we can work towards making greater change on racial issues in Russia.
Get Involved – Volunteer!
What can I help with?
- Document stories of survivors of racial violence and harassment throughout the city
- Quarterly and annual reports
- Volunteer at Parish Center, YAS, Medical Clinic
- Assist organizing Community Events
- Research
- Translation and Interpretation – Speak French, Russian or English?
Interested? Or do you have any questions?
Contact our coordinator Jennifer Voecks at mpctaskforce@gmail.com
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