18/09/2012 Equality and Non-Discrimination
At its meeting in Tirana on 13 September, the Equality and Non-Discrimination Committee expressed concern with regard to the rise of violent acts motivated by racism, intolerance and xenophobia, and an increasing use of racist and discriminatory discourse by political parties and asked political parties to refrain from using fear in their campaigns.
Adopting a draft resolution on “NGOs’ role in combating intolerance, racism and xenophobia”, the Committee underlined the crucial role of non-governmental organisations as natural allies of parliaments in the prevention and fight against intolerance, racism and xenophobia.
“NGOs can sound the alarm and push the authorities to tackle this plight through appropriate laws and policies, ensure that the relevant measures and legislation are enforced and offer advice, assistance and legal representation to victims”, said Federica Mogherini Rebesani (Italy, SOC), author of the report.
The draft resolution, recommending a series of measures to encourage and support NGOs in preventing and combating intolerance, racism and xenophobia, will be debated by PACE at its next Standing Committee in Andorra on 30 November 2012.