Oulu anti-racism program reaches thousands despite ongoing violence

The city of Oulu’s anti-racism initiative has reached thousands of people and assisted dozens of victims, according to project manager Priyanka Sood, despite continued violent incidents.

The €1.2 million Kaikkien Oulu program launched in summer 2024 following a series of stabbings at the Valkea shopping centre. Since then, Oulu has seen multiple knife attacks, some suspected to be racially motivated, with perpetrators using bicycles to target victims, primarily of foreign background. Police have not yet apprehended the suspects.

In November, Finland’s first anti-racism support centre opened in Oulu, receiving over 30 inquiries. The program includes preventive work, victim support, and youth discussions on racism. Sood notes that while projects reach large groups, they cannot address individual cases.

Measuring the program’s impact remains difficult, as results of preventive work may only appear in 5–10 years. The initiative targets ninth-grade students with gaming activities addressing equality, anti-racism, and acceptance of diversity. Additionally, Oulu has begun a diversity audit for city employees to identify underrepresented groups.

Sood hopes other cities will join the effort, stating that hate speech elsewhere can spread to Oulu, and changing attitudes requires long-term commitment.