Photo: (from left to right) Astrid Thors,
Marc Guerrero, Grigory Yavlinsky and Emil Kirjas.
Participants of the conference “Threats of Extremism and
Xenophobia Among Youth: the Liberal Answer” adopted a resolution
where they expressed their deep concern of noticeable rise
of extremism and xenophobia among youth in almost all European
countries.
Nevertheless, “liberal and democratic forces are capable
of tackling these challenges basing their response on human
rights, individual freedoms, respect for the individual, tolerance
and civil and moral responsibility of each person”.
The resolution runs that the liberal answer should include
the following measures:
- steady rejection by the society of all forms of xenophobia
and extremism and revival of Nazism, Stalinism and fascism.
Abolishment of the cult of superiority and crude force, as
well as manipulations with public opinion by means of pseudo
historical myths and conspiracy theories.
- broadening of possibilities for engaging people in social
and political life. Development of institutes of democracy
and civil society which allow each citizen to participate
in the social and political life and feel that his or her
beliefs, points of view and interests influence government’s
politics.
- protection of human dignity protection, person immunity
and freedom of individual choice. Strengthening of the secular
state principles and freedom of conscience.
- conducting policies stimulating maximum integration and
socialisation of people into economic, political and cultural
life of Europe. Gradual liquidation of barriers either in
the society or between the states. Creation of a pan-European
visa-free area.
- observance of the principles of freedom of speech and open
and respectful public debates on the most complicated and
painful problems. Development of intercultural, interreligious,
interethnic and inter-party dialogue spreading on the entire
society, rather than an exclusive leaders’ club only. Creation
of an atmosphere of trust in the society.
- development of contemporary art contributing to such a
dialogue, initiation of people into different cultural traditions
and reduction of aggression and intolerance in the society.
- provision of available and high quality education, political
education and citizenly upbringing of children and young people
inclusive, and social lifts for all society members.
After a discussion the participants of the conference also
introduced the following amendments into the resolution: on
rejection of all forms of anti-Semitism, liability of the
states to conduct responsible national policies, importance
of democratic elections, etc.
Marc Guerrero, ELDR Vice President, thanked all participants
of the conference and called them to change policies of their
states so that “Europe would become better”. “The world is
for all of us,” he added.
“I welcome the adopted resolution. The key idea is that there
is unity among liberals,” noted Emil Kirjas, General Secretary
of Liberal International. Liberalism is not only about economy
and free markets, it is also about social issues, he added.
Emil Kirjas also proposed to examine the adopted resolution
at the forthcoming congress of Liberal International in October,
“This will be instruction for the future, as this challenge
we will be facing in the nearest perspective”.
Astrid Thors, MP from Finland and ELDR Vice President, thanked
YABLOKO for the “courage the party had been demonstrating
in the past years”.
“We know that YABLOKO is the party which has been always
standing up for liberal principles and we are certain that
you will stand up for these principles even in the most difficult
situation. You are a very valuable member of our liberal family,”
she said.
See also:
International Conference
organised by ELDR and YABLOKO “Youth under Threat of Extremism
and Xenophobia. A Liberal Response” to be held in Moscow on
April 21. Press Release, April 17, 2012
YABLOKO
Against Extremism
YABLOKO
and the International Liberal Family
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