Interfaith dialogue important to reduce discrimination against Muslims, OSCE Chairman concludes

CORDOBA, 10 October 2007 - Open dialogue among people of all faiths and cultures is necessary to combat intolerance and discrimination against Muslims, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, said today.

The OSCE's 56 participating States are responsible for addressing acts of intolerance and discrimination against Muslims, the OSCE Chairman said in a declaration issued as the two-day OSCE Chairmanship Conference on Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims ended.

States should carry out this responsibility by "promoting and facilitating open and transparent interfaith and intercultural dialogue and partnerships toward tolerance, mutual respect and understanding, promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and by fighting prejudice, disaffection and marginalization," the declaration said.

The declaration also called on Muslim communities to engage in their societies and noted that international developments can never justify intolerance and discrimination, including against Muslims.

"We must openly condemn every form of terrorism. The identification of terrorism and extremism with Islam and Muslims has to be strongly rejected," it said.

"Political and community representatives can play a relevant role in the fight against intolerance and discrimination against Muslims, among others, through a constructive public discourse to diffuse tensions within societies, while respecting freedom of expression."

It also found that education, research as well as legislation and law enforcement could play useful roles in the battle against discrimination and intolerance.

"The development of informal exchanges among experts from OSCE participating States on best practices and experiences, as well as international organization and NGONGO
non-governmental organization efforts in these areas, should be encouraged and supported," said the declaration.

It also highlighted the role of the UN Alliance of Civilizations initiative, which aims at facilitating harmony and dialogue by underlining the common denominator of different cultures and religions.

The conference gathered some 300 participants, representing the OSCE's 56 participating States and 11 Partners for Co-operation as well as other international organizations and non-governmental organizations. Experts on Muslim and tolerance issues also took part in the meeting.

Encouraging participation in pluralistic societies is one of the priorities set by the 2007 Spanish OSCE Chairmanship.