Osnabrück Peace Days – Weeks Against Racism

City of Peace Tradition in Turbulent Times

Osnabrück not only bears the title City of Peace but actively fills it with programming. The annual Weeks Against Racism are a central pillar of this commitment. In 2026, the city will participate for the twelfth time in the nationwide action week of the Foundation Against Racism, which takes place around March 21 – the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Motto 2026: 100 Percent Human Dignity

The motto of the Osnabrück edition 2026 is 100 Percent Human Dignity. Together Against Racism and Right-Wing Extremism. It addresses the growing pressure from right-wing extremist movements in Germany and clearly positions the City of Peace.

Program Focuses

The Weeks Against Racism regularly include:

• Run Against Racism — traditional charity run on March 21 with hundreds of participants
• Cultural Events — concerts, readings, film screenings
• Discussion Panels at the university, college, and cultural centers
• School Programs with workshops and talks with contemporary witnesses
• Religious Events by churches, mosques, and synagogues
• Vigil and Rallies in central squares

Run Against Racism

The Run Against Racism is one of the most visible elements: hundreds of runners take a stand against discrimination on March 21. The route leads through the city center, with school classes, associations, and families running together. In 2025, hundreds of participants took part in the run.

Sponsored by the Office for Peace Culture

The Office for Peace Culture of the City of Osnabrück coordinates the weeks and networks around 40 sponsors: migrant organizations, religious communities, schools, universities, associations, independent cultural creators, and municipal institutions. This broad participation makes the format one of the most diverse action weeks in Germany.

Significance Beyond Osnabrück

With 12 years of participation and a differentiated program, Osnabrück is one of the pioneer cities of the nationwide campaign. The standard is high: racism criticism not as a one-off campaign, but as continuous city policy.