In Kiev, under the Aegis of OSCE Took Place Seminar with Participation of Muslim Organization on Topic of Racial Intolerance

Kiev. – In November, 19th, took place a seminar on the topic of crimes on the ground of racism in which participated a number of public organizations which prosecute subjects of tolerance and human rights. Among the invited participants of the seminar there were representatives of the All-Ukrainian Association of Social Organizations "Аlraid", which participates in actions organized by OSCE not for the first time.

The meeting was organized by a Bureau on Democratic Institutes and Human Rights (BDIHR) from the Organization on Safety and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). In the building of Diplomatic Academy in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine gathered representatives of BDIHR OSCE, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Interdepartmental Working Group on Questions of Counteraction of Xenophobia, Interethnic and Racial Intolerance, and also representatives of non-governmental organizations invited by the Bureau of OSCE.

In the beginning of the meeting the BDIHR shared their experience with representatives of a civil society of Ukraine in the sphere of counteraction of xenophobia, interethnic and racial intolerance.

During the meeting were discussed the questions concerning introduction of the Plan of actions concerning xenophobia, interethnic and racial intolerance in Ukraine, developed by Interdepartmental Working Group.

For organizers of this meeting it was important to learn about the image of the situation on counteraction to crimes on the ground of hatred of representatives of a civil society, and also their recommendation concerning increase of efficiency of actions for counteraction of similar crimes. The purpose of the given visit of the delegation of OSCE was discussion and revealing of possible areas of technical support, and also for estimation of existing structures and initiatives created for this purpose in Ukraine and to recommend possible changes directed on the present efforts to be more effective.

Recognizing the important role of the non-governmental organizations in the struggle against racism and xenophobia, and also their knowledge on key questions in this sphere, the BDIHR wished to hold meetings with representatives of various non-governmental organizations participating in the struggle against racism in its various forms.

At the meeting with state structures of Ukraine which took place one the day earlier, on November, 18th,was signed the Memorandum of Mutual Understanding with statement of concrete forms of help and detailed information on performance of tasks of the BDIHR in Ukraine.

Info. Department of "Аlraid"