Human Rights Monitoring Institute invites everyone to participate actively in the events of the Action Week against Racism and Other Forms of Intolerance 2010 and this way contribute to the reduction of exclusion and discrimination. The alarming growth of racial motivated attacks is a clear sign that we need to work together to oppose racism, xenophobia, and all forms of discrimination.
The 2010, International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures provides an ideal platform for promoting tolerance, mutual respect and dialogue among cultures. These values are the foundations of a new humanism, a universal vision rooted in a profound respect for human dignity, fundamental rights and the diversity of cultures. This vision compels each and every human being to feel an engaged sense of responsibility towards the other and the safeguarding of our planet.
Cultural or any other specificity must be aligned with respect for fundamental freedoms. When it comes to the full implementation of human rights, there can be no compromises. Respect for cultural diversity can never justify partial violation of human rights on the grounds of cultural relativism.
Lithuanian National Commission for UNESCO is the main sponsor of the Action Week against Racism and other forms of Intolerance 2010. Among UNESCO top priorities is promotion of exchange and dialogue among cultures. Dialogue alone will enable us to look beyond our differences and prejudices and to realize that we are united by many common dreams, aspirations and challenges. It is only through mutual respect, understanding, constructive dialogue and acceptance of the right to be different that we will diffuse tensions and build more peaceful multicultural societies.
The 2010 is officially declared as International Year of Youth by the United Nations. Therefore, Human Rights Monitoring Institute invites every young person to participate actively in the events of the Action Week against Racism and other forms of Intolerance 2010 and help build society that is open for everyone and respectful of every single person's rights.
On March 19, Human Rights Monitoring Institute in cooperation with the Embassies of Scandinavian countries in Lithuania, the Nordic Council of Ministers Office in Vilnius, and the Parliamentary Human Rights Committee hosts panel discussion “European and Lithuanian Values: Same or Different?“. The event, moderated by MEP Leonidas Donskis, will start at 10:00 am at the Constitutional Hall of Lithuanian Parliament (Building I, 3rd floor).
Moderator of the discussion: Mr. Leonidas Donskis, Member of European Parliament.
Panelists:
• Ms. Aušrinė Marija Pavilionienė, Member of Seimas
• Ms. Ulrika Cronenberg, Ambassador of Sweden
• Mr. Laurids Mikaelsen, Ambassador of Denmark (cancelled due to the urgent new appointment)
• Mr. Dainius Pūras, Member of UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, Chair of Board of the Human Rights Monitoring Institute
• Ms. Randi Solberg, Adviser, the Norwegian Equality- and Anti-discrimination Ombud's office
• Mr. Vytautas Radžvilas, Associate Professor, European Studies Department, Vilnius University (tbc.)
Afterwards the participants will be offered cofee and light refreshments and invited to continue informal discussions.
See the programme of the event here.
Reminder: Registration to the event is closed March 17 at 17:00.
© 2012 Human Rights Monitoring Institute