Thousands Hold Anti-Racism Rallies Across Europe

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of London on Saturday to attend the the annual demonstration to mark U.N. anti-racism day organized by Stand Up to Racism.

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This year's march is focused on refugees, and comes one day after the European Union reached an agreement with Ankara to send all refugees who arrive in the Greek islands to Turkey beginning March 20. 

Amazing student bloc on the refugees welcome here - stand up to racism demo! pic.twitter.com/HaHfuj9Axr

— Aaron Kiely (@Aaron_Kiely) March 19, 2016

"The appalling treatment of refugees across Europe and the staggering rise in anti-Muslim hate crimes must be challenged. Let's send a message that drives back the tide of racism, fascism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and the scapegoating of migrants and refugees," organizers said. 

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Organizers said marches will also be taking place in other major European cities such as Paris, Athens, Amsterdam, Vienna and Dublin, as well as seven cities across Greece.  

Here @ stand up to racism #refugeeswelcome demo #m19 @AntiRacismDay come down! pic.twitter.com/pgWEt8oHZU

— Lester Holloway (@brolezholloway) March 19, 2016

Europe is facing a massive flow of refugees who are fleeing conflict-hit zones in Africa and the Middle East, particularly Syria.

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According to official sources, since January 2015, a million migrants and refugees have entered the EU by boat from Turkey to Greece. More than 132,000 have arrived this year alone.