May 16, 2008

CfA: Youth Combatting Terrorism by Promoting Intercultural Dialogue

Dear Friends,

Please find below an Invitation for the International Seminar YOUTH COMBATING TERRORISM BY PROMOTING INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE, INTER-RELIGIOUS CO-OPERATION AND RESPECT FOR CULTURAL DIFFERENCES, to be held in Bulgaria between 4th of June and 9th of June 2008.

We look for young motivated participants that we willing to take part in the entire event and show specific interest in the seminar topics. If you are interested to apply, please send us a letter of request at: cross_cultural_ dialogue@ abv.bg

Venue: Hotel BanskoSpa & Holidays, Bankso resort- www.banskospa. net
Donors: The seminar is financed by the EYF at the CoE and the CEI.

Aims:
Terrorist actions and extremism have had severe consequences on the perception people have of religious groups in general. Belief, practice and fundamentalism are often confused, and a general tendency of discriminating religious people can be felt across Europe. Islam is wrongly interpreted as a violent, extremist religion propagating terrorism. Increasing stereotypes lead to simplification and false
images and deepen the distances between different groups and religions. In this context promotion of intercultural and interreligious dialogue for understanding and tolerance is particularly important for prevention of terrorism and extremism development. The seminar aims at bringing 30 young activists of various cultural and religious backgrounds from Europe and Mediterranean in order to analyse the role of youth and youth organisations in the process of intercultural and interreligious
dialogue for prevention of terrorism and extremism.

Objectives are to:
Analyse the current situation in Europe and Mediterranean regarding the impact of terrorism and the "war of terror" and its direct consequences for young people Analalyze the lack of rule of law and violations of human rights as factors facilitating the development of extremism and terrorism Discuss the guidelines on "Terror and Human Rights" of the Council of Europe and the Recommendation of the Parliamentary Assembly of CoE on Combating terrorism through culture
Discuss strategies to address the roots of terrorism and extremism such as ethnic, national and religious discrimination, political exclusion, socioeconomic marginalisation,
Discuss ways for young people to encourage intercultural and interreligious dialogue in going against prejudice and cultural/religious discrimination.

Share experiences of discrimination resulting stereotypes and phobias related to terrorism and security on young people's lives.

Promote youth networking and empower participants with knowledge and skills to draft joint projects on youth work against terrorism and extremism via intercultural dialogue and inter-religious cooperation.

Promote youth role in Euro-Mediterranean Partnership for peace, tolerance and understanding.

Methodology:

Youth Friendly Non-formal Education: interactive and participatory methods Intercultural Learning: dialogical methods Human Rights Education: theoretical inputs, case analyses, small group exercises, simulation games from COMPASS and DOMINO. Project Management: need assessment, situational analyzes, PMC, project design and delivery methods. Youth International Networking Detailed program attached.

Participants` profile:
Minority youth leaders, aged 18 - 30, from CoE and Meda countries. Youth activists and multipliers, working in multicultural environment and motivated to promote youth work against terrorism and extremism via intercultural dialogue and inter-religious cooperation. Committed to actively take part in the entire event. Motivated to develop and realize joint projects on Youth combating terrorism by promoting intercultural dialogue, inter-religious co-operation and respect for cultural differences. Motivated to multiply the knowledge and skills obtained at this TC in
their sending organizations and communities. Have a working knowledge of English.
Participants will be selected on a gender equality basis and geographical balance.

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