20-03-2006

The President said that the CoR was committed to playing its full part in plans being developed in the context of the 2007 European Year of Equality and Opportunity For All, as well as the first forum on integration to be held in Rotterdam on 9 October this year. "Respect for fundamental rights and cultural and linguistic diversity emanate from the values and principles which characterise our continent," he stated.

This point was echoed by Beate Winkler, director of the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia. "Diversity is a central part of our European heritage. We must celebrate this diversity, and be proud of it. It should motivate us to encourage the principles of equal treatment and non-discrimination," she declared. Ms Winkler pointed out that minorities suffer the sharpest experiences of discrimination at the local level – at work, in school, in shops or hospitals. "Effective integration of the children into education systems and appropriate housing is one of the preconditions for voluntary integration of individuals into the social and cultural life of a local community. Effective integration means also to respect the cultural, religious and traditional life of minorities: Local and regional authorities could ensure that minorities and their members have the opportunity to lead an unimpeded cultural, religious and traditional life – in respect and on the basis of Human Rights. In many cases a determination on the part of local and regional authorities to use the instruments available could transform such groups' lives, " she commented.