Congratulations to CEJI Director Robin Sclafani and her family on the safe arrival of a new baby boy.


Contents

UN World Conference Against Racism (Durban) Review

After the debacle that was the World Conference Against Racism in 2001, the UN is now in the process of planning a Review Conference, to take place in mid-2009. As with the Durban Conference, many NGOs are worried about the event turning virulently antisemitic and anti-Western due to actions of both states and NGOs, all the while ignoring pressing Human Rights issues throughout the world. To prevent this, CEJI and others are following the preparatory process, which has included some meetings of like-minded NGOs to discuss common positions followed by a discussion with Mr Jose Dougan-Beaca, Coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Unit of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. As preparations for the Review Conference continue, countries and NGOs may decide to boycott the Conference. CEJI considers all actions possible until it becomes clear what will be included in the agenda of the event. We will keep you informed in future newsletters.



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European Equality Legislation

The European Commission is currently beginning the drafting process of new equality legislation. The new directives are expected to include protections against discrimination based on religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, in the areas of education, access to goods and services (including housing) and social protection and advantages. The CEJI Board will discuss these issues, and also reflect on how various fundamental rights can interact and sometimes clash with each other. (E.g.: publishing cartoons that are critical of a religion confronts the right to freedom of speech with the right to freedom of religion.)



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New Pilot Training on Antisemitism and Islamophobia

On May 21st and 22nd we will pilot a new training on antisemitism and islamophobia, a program that has been two years in development. The training will take place in Brussels and will target key experts and local members of the Jewish and Muslim communities interested in learning about the discrimination and prejudices experienced by their own and other communities. This is a unique opportunity for both Jewish and Muslim people to learn about each other as well as discovering how to tackle the discrimination and prejudices of their own community and others.

This project has received funds from the Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation. For more information and to register Download the document. More info...

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Training Report on Religious Diversity and Anti-Discrimination Module Development

The first Religious Diversity & Anti-Discrimination training module for adult educators was launched in October 2006 at the Multifaith Centre in Derby, U.K. The second was held in Sofia, Bulgaria, in March 2007, and the third in Rome in May 2007. The training, which has now reached more than 40 adult educators in over 10 European countries, has received excellent evaluations. Read the 2005-2007 report here (PDF 2.70 Mb).
For information, contact Luis Pinto.

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5-day Religious Diversity & Anti-Discrimination Trainings for Adult Educators

A Religious Diversity & Anti-Discrimination Training for Adult Educators was held in Aspet (near Toulouse), France from 24 - 29 February, 2008. Participants came from the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Uk, Turkey and Romania. Intercultural visits during the training included a Cathar site near Toulouse, as well as visiting with an Imam, a Priest, a Pastor and a Rabbi. The training was hosted by project partner "La Ligue de l'enseignement du Calvados"


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ICJW Conference Workshops. Perceptions and Reality

The International Council of Jewish Women (ICJW) held their 13th European Conference in Brussels from 16-18 March 2008. CEJI was invited to present a series of interactive workshops on the third day of the European Women and Intercultural Dialogue Conference. Participants in the series of workshops were invited to enter into discussions on assimilation, integration and issues related to other cultures. The final session saw participants being invited to define an individual priority action that would promote inter-cultural dialogue and education not only within their own communities but at a broader national and European level, stimulating cooperation between different cultural groups. You can read more about the ICJW Conference here.

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Staff News

Di Mackey has replaced Katy Nicholson as temporary Communications Assistant at CEJI. ____________________________________________

Upcoming Events

  • Anti-Discrimination Training: Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia | Jewish Muslim Dialogue Training Workshop, Brussels: 21-22 May (English language)
  • Religious Diversity & Anti-Discrimination Training for Adult Educators
    1 - 6 June 2008, Konya, Turkey
For further details or to register: Click here.

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