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OSCE Conference on Tolerance

17.10.2016

On 20 October the IHRA Executive Secretary, Dr Kathrin Meyer, will attend the OSCE conference on tolerance and diversity in Berlin.

Democratic societies are open and pluralistic. For peaceful coexistence in societies and between societies, a basis of mutual respect and tolerance is needed. At the same time the freedom of individuals to shape their own lives and to forge and retain their identities is considered an asset worth protecting for the benefit of society as a whole. For this reason, respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms are essential prerequisites for tolerance. Extremist ideologies and value systems that hold human rights in contempt endanger not only individuals, specific groups and minorities, but are a threat to social cohesion. The same is true of prejudices, discrimination and racism.

With this conference, the OSCE seeks to underscore the significance of modern, democratic societies being open to diversity and embracing change. The conference aim is to show that governments, civil society organisations, the media, business and the general public can actively shape social coexistence. Their action is an intrinsic part of any response to current challenges as our countries and societies seek to deal with the consequences of displacement and migration, combat the causes of terrorism, discuss the role and contribution of religions and minorities, and tackle issues of national identity in the light of global challenges.

Karen Polak, a member of the Dutch Delegation to the IHRA, and Ambassador Blanka Jamnišek of the Slovenian Delegation to the IHRA will also be in attendance.

Photo credit: OSCE/Mikhail Evstafiev