Moscow, April 21, 2012
The conference expresses deep concern of noticeable rise of
extremism and xenophobia among youth in almost all European
countries.
This is largely conditioned by such problems as replacement
of individual freedom and civil responsibility by abstract
interests of impersonal groups; governments’ economizing on
humanitarian development, education and culture; abolishment
by some political elites and authoritarian regimes, especially
in Russia and Belarus, from democratic norms and moral principles;
denial of the culture of political compromise and dialogue,
the transfer of political debates into tough confrontation
and violence; use of public discontent with unsettled problems
for rousing of hatred and hostility among people.
We are certain that 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.
We think that such liberal response should include the following:
- steady rejection by the society of all forms of xenophobia
and extremism and personality cult, as well as 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, provision of free and fair elections and
independence of the judiciary; 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 and rejection of
all forms of anti-Semitism;
- 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, inter-party and other forms of dialogue spreading
in 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;
- conducting of a responsible national policy by the state;
- 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.
We will aspire to implement our proposals and are appealing
to all sharing our values to join us in this work.
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-ELDR
conference “Threats of Extremism and Xenophobia Among Youth:
the Liberal Answer” adopted a resolution. Press
Release, April 21, 2012.
YABLOKO
Against Extremism
YABLOKO
and the International Liberal Family
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