Candidate MEPs are being encouraged to take a stand against racism.

They are being asked, by The People for Change Foundation, to sign a pledge calling on them endorse a pledge against racism, and to ensure that political discourse and actions during the campaign do not promote, instigate or condone racism and xenophobia.

Three - Helga Ellul for the PN, Cyrus Engerer for the Labour Party and Carmel Cacopardo and Arnold Cassola for Alternattiva Demokratika have already signed.

The pledge calls on the candidates:

"To send a consistent and clear message that we reject racism in all its guises

"To deal responsibly and fairly with sensitive topics relating to migrant groups and ethnic minorities, including asylum seekers and refugees; to safeguard their dignity and avoid their stigmatization.

"To adopt appropriate, accurate and sensitive language when referring to and discussing migration and migrant groups in order to avoid fuelling xenophobia, unfounded fear, crisis and moral panic.

"To condemn, and wherever possible stop, any materials or statements that intentionally or indirectly incite hatred or express prejudice on the grounds of race, colour, nationality or national origin, ethnic background, migrant and legal status or religious belief.

"To refrain from political alliance or association with any political party, or organiSation that incites ethnic prejudice and racial hatred."