In its Recommendation 1975, adopted on June 22, 2011, the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly calls on representatives of the religions “to contribute, when appropriate, to the debates on common values, common heritage, protection of religious freedom, respect for human rights and democratic citizenship, the fight against terrorism, xenophobia and intolerance,” the Institute for Religious Freedom reports.
The recommendation comes after the review of the Group of Eminent Persons’ report on “Living together – Combining diversity and freedom in 21st-century Europe.” The assembly declared it “is ready and willing to contribute to the changes which are needed to ensure greater cohesion in European societies.”
The assembly expects that the presented analysis will become the basis for further reflection on the European’s community future against the background of the reform process of the Council of Europe in the conditions of the “crisis of leadership.” The assebmly believes this should involve “politicians, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), trade unions, youth organisations, academics, as well as representatives of religions, the media and local authorities from different backgrounds and countries.”
“Although multiculturalism is facing increasing difficulties at national level in various European countries, the Assembly firmly believes that assimilation is not an alternative. The response to these difficulties is an intercultural approach which implies an active interaction of the culturally different groups within society in order to develop the best model of living together,” reads the recommendation.
“People coming lawfully to live in a country should not be expected to leave elements of their identity (faith, language, culture, etc.) behind…The communities of origin should not ostracise those who choose to change their faith or culture.”
The assembly stresses that “education is the main tool – but not the only one – against misleading information and stereotypes about specific groups.” It also stresses “the central role the media can play in strengthening democracy, the respect of fundamental rights and the development of culture.”
PACE recalls its Resolution 1754 (2010) “The fight against extremism: achievements, deficiencies and failures,” in which it “regrets that the challenge of establishing a more ethical attitude in politics when dealing with issues related to race, ethnic and national origin and religion is still to be met.”
In its recommendation, the assembly writes that it “reiterates that politicians have a special responsibility to eliminate from political discourse negative stereotyping or the stigmatising of any ethnic, minority or migrant group, be they present or not within the borders of their states. They should promote a message of non-discrimination, tolerance and respect for people from different backgrounds.”
We recall that in April 2011, PACE recommended member states of the Council of Europe to promote an interreligious dialogue and cooperation among different faiths.