Intercultural Dialogue Platform’s Statement Following the 2024 European Elections:
Expectations from Policymakers and the European Parliament
10/06/2024, Brussels
As a civil society organisation that promotes human rights, social inclusion, and democratic values, IDP —Intercultural Dialogue Platform— is fundamentally interested in the outcome of the 2024 European Parliament elections. The European Parliament shapes policies and legislation impacting millions across the continent. Here, we outline our expectations from policymakers in seven key areas central to our mission.
OUR ASKS
- DEMOCRACY
- Safeguard the Rule of Law: Actively monitor and address threats within the EU. Establish mechanisms to investigate government overreach, judicial independence erosion, or fundamental rights violations.
- Ensure Transparency and Accountability: Enhance transparency by publishing legislative documents, meeting minutes, and voting results online. Establish parliamentary oversight committees and independent watchdog bodies.
- Ensure Free and Fair Elections: Monitor elections to meet international standards. Combat disinformation and safeguard electoral integrity.
- Promote Democratic Values: Champion legislation protecting freedom of speech, assembly, and association. Firmly condemn discrimination, hate speech, and minority rights violations.
- Support Deliberative Practices: Expand practices like citizens’ assemblies and participatory forums to deepen democratic engagement.
- Reduce the Citizen-Politician Gap: Innovate mechanisms for citizen engagement, such as digital platforms, town hall meetings, and constituency outreach programs.
- Educate and Raise Awareness: Support educational initiatives teaching citizens about their rights and the functioning of democratic institutions.
- HUMAN RIGHTS
- Protect Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Migrants: Ensure access to fair asylum procedures and prevent discrimination based on nationality or immigration status.
- Promote Freedom of Expression: Support independent media, condemn censorship, and advocate for the release of imprisoned journalists and activists.
- Address Discrimination and Inequality: Eliminate discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Combat extremism, racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia.
- GENDER EQUALITY
- Ensure Political Representation: Advocate for gender quotas or targets in political bodies and support initiatives encouraging women’s participation in politics.
- Ensure Equal Employment: Support policies for pay transparency, work-life balance, and women’s entrepreneurship.
- Ensure Equal Education: Promote gender-sensitive curriculum development and initiatives encouraging girls in STEM fields.
- Ensure Access to Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare: Advocate for policies ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health services and addressing gender-specific health issues.
- Address Gender-based Violence and Discrimination: Support initiatives strengthening legal frameworks against gender-based violence and discrimination.
- SOCIAL INCLUSION AND SOCIAL COHESION
- Ensure Access to Quality Education: Support policies ensuring access to quality education for all, including disadvantaged and special needs students.
- Ensure an Inclusive Healthcare System: Advocate for policies guaranteeing affordable and accessible healthcare for all, including marginalised groups.
- Ensure Equal Employment Opportunities: Support initiatives reducing unemployment among vulnerable populations and enforcing anti-discrimination laws in the workplace.
- Establish Social Services and Welfare Support: Establish robust social safety nets and invest in community-based services.
- Promote Diversity and Inclusion: Support policies celebrating cultural diversity and combating discrimination and prejudice.
- COMBATING INTOLERANCE
- Combat Racism and Xenophobia: Promote policies and initiatives countering racism and xenophobia through public awareness and education campaigns.
- Combat Anti-Semitism: Develop and support policies promoting Jewish identity and interfaith dialogue.
- Combat Anti-Muslim Hatred: Counter anti-Muslim rhetoric and hate crimes through improved reporting mechanisms and public awareness campaigns.
- Combat Hate Speech and Hate Crime: Establish a uniform definition of hate speech and hate crimes and promote policies countering online hate speech and hate crimes.
- CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
- Collaborate with Civil Society Organizations: Engage with CSOs through dialogue, consultation, and collaboration platforms.
- Promote Citizen Participation: Organise public forums and online consultations and support initiatives promoting civic education and engagement.
- Empower Youth: Support initiatives engaging young people in politics and providing opportunities for youth participation in decision-making bodies.
- Empower Vulnerable Groups: Promote the inclusion and participation of migrants, refugees, and marginalised communities in the political process.
- INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE
- Support Cross-Cultural Exchange Programs: Actively support initiatives facilitating cross-cultural exchange among individuals and communities.
- Promote Mutual Respect and Empathy: Advocate for policies and campaigns promoting mutual respect, empathy, and understanding among different cultural and religious groups.
- Counter Divisive Narratives: Proactively counter divisive narratives and promote unity, inclusion, and solidarity.
- Advocate for Multiculturalism and Interfaith Harmony: Advocate for policies promoting multiculturalism, diversity, and interfaith harmony within EU member states and beyond.
- Support Community-Based Dialogue Initiatives: Actively support community-based dialogue initiatives, bringing together individuals from different cultural and religious backgrounds to discuss common challenges and shared values.
By advocating and advancing the issues above, we demand that the European Parliament, MEPs, and other policymakers foster a democratic, inclusive, and equitable Europe that reflects the diversity and values of all its citizens.
Should you be interested in finding out more, please check the detailed version: Expectations from Policymakers and the European Parliament
Intercultural Dialogue Platform
Rue Montoyer 31/2
1000 Brussels
info@dialogueplatform.eu
www.dialogueplatform.eu
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