“One of the essential features of the European Union is cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity. This diversity is full of potential and opportunity. But often this treasure has been misunderstood. In the past century, Vienna, Austria and Europe have lived through the dreadful consequences of rejection and persecution of diversity”, said State Secretary Hans Winkler today in a conference in the Vienna City Hall on the theme “The contribution of local and regional authorities in the protection of minorities and measures against discrimination”.
“In recent months, the value of dialogue among world civilisations, particularly among the great religions, became evident against the background of the cartoon controversy. There is no doubt that a great role in creating understanding for peaceful co-operation, the fight against discrimination, and promoting tolerance is to be played at the local and regional level of every State”, stressed the State Secretary. The principle of non-discrimination is part of the very essence of the European Union at every level. No state is immune to xenophobic tendencies. National laws and European standards are important, but the primary task is to translate these regulations into the practice of everyday life. As an example, Winkler pointed to the continuing discrimination of Roma and Sinti in many Member States of the European Union and mentioned an international conference for the implementation of national guidelines for Roma and Sinti in May of this year, under the patronage of the Austrian EU Council Presidency.
Winkler also underlined the relevant provisions contained in the Treaty on establishing a Constitution for Europe. “Precisely because of its historical experience, Austria is committed to equal treatment of all people, regardless of the religious, ethnic or other group to which they belong. Any hostile, intolerant or racist attitude must be stopped. In the European constitutional treaty, which Austria has ratified with a large parliamentary majority, but whose future is presently uncertain because of the negative votes in France and the Netherlands, non-discrimination and tolerance are established as values of the EU”, continued Winkler.
“Austria has a long tradition of inter-cultural and religious dialogue. The building of this culture of dialogue has often proved its worth in the past and has led to the elimination of misunderstandings and the filling-in of gaps in our knowledge”, said Winkler. The State Secretary then drew attention to the forthcoming “Conference of European Imams” on 7 April and a conference on “Dialogue of Cultures and Religions” on 19 May in Vienna.
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