Participation of MEPs Mr. George Loukaidis and Ms. Christiana Erotokritou in a debate in the framework of the third part of the 2022 Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on the contribution of political parties to the elimination of racism and the promotion of multiculturalism and inclusiveness
MPs Mr. George Loucaides and Mrs. Christiana Erotokritou, members of the Cypriot delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), spoke on the contribution of political parties to the elimination of racism and the promotion of multiculturalism and inclusiveness, in the context of yesterday's PACE Plenary debate.
Mr. Loucaides, in his intervention, welcomed the revision of the Charter of European Political Parties for the Elimination of Racism and praised the work of the European Commission for Combating Racism and other Council of Europe mechanisms and tools, such as the No Hate Parliamentary Alliance, which provide legislative support to Member States to better address racism. At the same time, he expressed strong concern about the resurgence of rhetoric that sees refugees and migrants as a burden and a threat to societies. For this reason, he pointed out, it is imperative that all parties belonging to the democratic arc sign up to the Charter of European Political Parties for the elimination of racism. He also stated that it is necessary to launch a coordinated effort between the CPSU and national parliaments through the establishment of an effective monitoring mechanism to check that all contracting parties commit themselves to and implement in practice the basic provisions of the Charter.
In her intervention, Ms Erotokritou noted that political parties can play an important role in the fight against discrimination, starting with the inclusion of the principles of equality, inclusiveness and multiculturalism in the agenda of party youth organisations. Besides, the councillor stressed, young people are in a better position to perceive and listen to issues such as freedom, inclusion and receptivity, and it is they themselves who should seek the ferment between social groups towards these goals.
Diversity within a party can have a catalytic effect, achieving change from within while ensuring greater opportunities for democratic participation and representation for all social groups, she concluded.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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