Doc. 9827

11 June 2003

Religion and change in central and eastern Europe

Recommendation 1556 (2002)

Reply from the Committee of Ministers

adopted at the 842^nd meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies (5 June 2003)

1.       The Committee of Ministers has carefully considered Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1556 (2002) on religion and change in central and eastern Europe and recognises that it raises a number of timely issues, which are equally pertinent for all European countries. Given that the recommendations are not addressed directly to the Committee of Ministers, except paragraph 8.ii, the Committee of Ministers will limit itself to giving general comments on them, particularly where it concerns education and culture. The Committee of Ministers wishes to inform the Assembly that it has transmitted the recommendation to its member governments and contracting parties to the European Cultural Convention, as well as to the Venice Commission and the Steering Committee for Human Rights for information.

2.       The Committee of Ministers also wishes to inform the Parliamentary Assembly that, at its 815th meeting (30 October 2002), it decided to examine the question of “freedom of conscience and religion” in the context of its thematic monitoring procedure. The questionnaire addressed to the member states is drafted as follows: “How is the freedom of conscience and religion ensured in your country? Please provide one or two recent examples of progress made in this respect (e.g. recognition of religions, respect of their autonomy, legal status, including property questions, issues relating to co-existence of various beliefs and creeds, non-discrimination)”. The in camera Committee of Ministers’ discussion will take place on 3 July 2003.

I. Legal guarantees and their observance

3.       As the recommendation implies in its paragraph 8.ii, the Committee of Ministers is, at the time of adopting this reply, supervising the execution of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of the Metropolitan Church of Bessarabia against Moldova. The Case concerns the failure of the Government to recognise the Metropolitan Church of Bessarabia. The Court concluded that this non-recognition constituted an interference with the applicant church’s freedom of religion which was not proportionate or “necessary in a democratic society” (violation of Article 9). The Court also concluded that the applicants did not enjoy an effective remedy in respect of their claims at domestic level (violation of Article 13).

4.       Following the Court's judgment the Moldovan authorities paid the just satisfaction awarded and recognised and registered the applicant Church in accordance with the Moldovan Law on Religious Denominations, as amended on 12 July 2002. The Church has thus acquired legal personality laying open the possibility for it to claim property entitlement. Since the registration of the applicant Church, the procedure for the registration by the Department for Religious Denominations of the Church’s sub-divisions (parishes, rectories, monasteries etc.) has been initiated and a number of parishes, rectories, and a monastery have so far been registered.

5.       Regarding the general measures, the first amendments made on 12 July 2002 to the Law on Religious Denominations in response to the Court’s judgment were considered to be insufficient to prevent new violations similar to those found by the Court. A new legislation, which would take full account of the Court's judgment, is accordingly being prepared by the Moldovan authorities in close cooperation with the Council of Europe. The Committee of Ministers is continuing to supervise the execution of the judgment in this last mentioned respect.

II. Education

6.       The Committee of Ministers cannot but agree that education has an essential role in promoting better understanding between religious communities and also between these and the state and other secular interests (paragraphs 8.ix, x, xiii and xvi of the recommendation). The Education Committee has launched a major project on “Education for intercultural and interfaith dialogue”. It will form an integral part of the Organisation’s response to terrorism through the reinforcement of a tolerant and pluralistic democratic society, including the dimensions of intercultural understanding, prevention of conflicts and a deeper dialogue on matters involving religion. The project will deal with the issues raised in paragraphs 8.ix and x of the recommendation in a more systematic and pan-European context.

7.       In this context, the Committee of Ministers would like to draw the attention of the Assembly to its Recommendation Rec(2002)12 in which it states, inter alia, that education for democratic citizenship is a factor for social cohesion, mutual understanding, intercultural and inter-religious dialogue and that it encourages the establishment of harmonious and peaceful relations within and among peoples, as well as the defence and development of democratic society and culture.

8.       The Committee of Ministers would like to inform the Assembly that it is currently considering the preparation and launching of a European Year of Citizenship through Education which will certainly become an important vehicle for developing, preserving and promoting democratic culture on a pan-European scale, including inter-religious tolerance and dialogue.

9.       The Committee of Ministers agrees with the Assembly that access to education, including higher education, should be open to all qualified applicants regardless of their religious, philosophical, political or other views (paragraph 8.xii) and recalls that the principle of non-discriminatory assessment of foreign qualifications is one of the basic principles of the Council of Europe/UNESCO Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region.

III. Exchange programmes

10.       The suggestion (paragraph 8.xiii and xiv) that exchange programmes should be promoted to give people, and in particular, students and research workers a full picture of the ethical, moral and cultural values of Europe’s religions, is also interesting. One should recall in this context the many existing European and regional exchange programmes and higher education co-operation schemes, such as the Community Action Programme in the field of Education (SOCRATES), programme for Nordic students who wish to study in their neighbouring countries (NORDPLUS), Central European Exchange Program for University Studies (CEEPUS), the Nordic Council of Ministers’ exchange scheme for the Nordic and Baltic countries and Northwest Russia, the Community of Mediterranean Universities (CUM) and EUCOR (the University Confederation for the Upper Rhine).

11.       As for the exchanges on cultural issues, and, more particularly, “the development of cultural itineraries in Europe” (paragraph 8.xv), the Committee of Ministers is currently considering the draft Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes with the aim of giving both political and financial impetus to the existing Council of Europe programme on cultural routes. This question was on the agenda of the 112th Ministerial Session of the Committee of Ministers (14-15 May 2003).

IV. Support of non-governmental organisations

12.       As for the support of NGO activities (paragraph 8.xi), it is particularly important to involve youth NGOs. Indeed, young people and youth organisations can play an important role in the fields of the promotion of intercultural and inter-religious dialogue in Europe, of cultural and religious exchanges and non-formal education.

13.       During 2002 the statutory bodies of the youth sector of the Council of Europe identified orientations for the work in the next three years. They agreed that the sector’s programme should focus on three priority fields: (i) promotion of peace and intercultural dialogue, (ii) promotion of human rights and social cohesion and (iii) participation and democratic citizenship.

14.       As a practical example, the Committee of Ministers would like to recall to the Assembly a Round Table on “Intercultural Dialogue” (Budapest, 22 October 2002) organised by the Council of Europe Youth Sector with and at the initiative of the Assembly’s Political Affairs Committee with the participation of the members of the Forum of Muslim Youth and Students Organisations (FEMYSO).

15.       One should also note the Council of Europe (Youth Sector/North-South Centre) training course “Intercultural dialogue and solidarity in the Mediterranean”, the first of the foreseen activities on Euro-Mediterranean issues to be developed by these two structures. Addressed at youth leaders and youth workers from European and non-European (Mediterranean) countries, the course enabled 30 of them, active or interested in Euro-Mediterranean youth projects, to develop intercultural learning, human rights education and global education with young people, and to initiate common projects in these fields. The results of the course should be sustained by the publication of Compass¹ in Arabic in 2003. In view of the positive outcome, a second course has been scheduled for May 2003. Appendix VI to this reply provides further information on this activity.

V. Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue

16.       Also, the Committee of Ministers agrees that academic research should include the aim of “uncovering the shared roots of Europe’s various cultures and fostering a better understanding of the ways in which they interrelate and complement one another” (paragraph 8.xvii). This aspect is being developed in the context of the Council of Europe’s activity on the intercultural/interfaith dialogue. There is an urgent need of “striking a balance between, on the one hand, the principles of democracy and human rights, of freedom of conscience and religion, and on the other, the preservation of national cultural, ethnic and religious identity.” (paragraph 6).

17.       The Committee of Ministers, having regard to the above, would wish to highlight the recent Ministerial Colloquy of the European Ministers responsible for Cultural Affairs “The new role and new responsibilities of Ministers of Culture in initiating intercultural dialogue, with due regard for cultural diversity” (Strasbourg, 17 and 18 February 2003). The Ministers considered a draft Declaration on Intercultural Dialogue and Conflict Prevention, which could be formally adopted at the next Ministerial Colloquy (Opatjia, Croatia, 20-22 October 2003).

18.       The text aims at defining a European framework of co-operation which would create, on the one hand, conditions for promotion and construction of an intercultural society based on intercultural dialogue and respect of cultural diversity, and which, on the other, would favour management and control of conflicts, prevention of violent conflicts and promotion of past-conflict reconciliation. This objective should be reached through the implementation of cultural action programmes aiming at bringing cultures closer through positive confrontation and development of cultural exchanges.

19.       The Committee of Ministers considers that the above-mentioned national and international frameworks of co-operation constitute an appropriate response to the recommendations of the Assembly.

Appendix I

Opinion adopted by the CD-ESR Bureau

on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1556 (2002)

on religion and change in Central and Eastern Europe

The CD-ESR Bureau has taken good note of Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1556 (2002) on religion and change in Central and Eastern Europe, which raises a good number of timely issues. Most of these, however, fall outside the competence of the CD-ESR, and the present opinion will therefore be limited to the aspects concerning higher education.

The CD-ESR Bureau would like to point out that while the Recommendation specifically addresses religion and change in Central and Eastern Europe, most of the issues raised –and certainly those concerning higher education – are equally pertinent for all European countries.

Higher education institutions, whether secular or committed to specific religious or philosophical views, should be guided by the principles of openness, tolerance and liberty of conscience, expression, teaching and research as well as commitment to academic quality that are central to the heritage of European universities. A specific religious or philosophical commitment cannot serve as a pretext for reducing academic freedom or for lowering academic standards.

On the condition that these key principles are observed, Ministries responsible for higher education should be liberal in allowing private higher education institutions committed to specific religious or philosophical views to operate on their territory, provided these conform to relevant legislation and subject themselves to an assessment of the quality of their education and research programmes in accordance with the quality assurance standards and procedures of the country in which they operate.

The CD-ESR Bureau fully agrees with the recommendation (paragraph 8.xii) that access to education, including higher education, be open to all qualified applicants regardless of their religious, philosophical, political or other views and recalls that the principle of non-discriminatory assessment of foreign qualifications is one of the basic principles of the Council of Europe/UNESCO Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region (cf. Article III.1.2)

The CD-ESR Bureau also shares the view that academic research should include the aim of “uncovering the shared roots of Europe’s various cultures and fostering a better understanding of the ways in which they interrelate and complement one another” (paragraph 8.xvii) and will work to develop this aspect, which should also extend to higher education programmes, in the context of the Council of Europe’s activity on the intercultural/interfaith dialogue. The CD-ESR Bureau also wishes to underline the need to study the historical periods in which there were efforts for rapprochement between the major churches.

The CD-ESR further supports the suggestion (paragraph 8.xiv) that exchange programmes should be promoted to give students and research workers a full picture of the ethical, moral and cultural values of Europe’s religions. In this context, the CD-ESR would also recall the many existing European and regional exchange programmes and higher education cooperation schemes, such as SOCRATES, NORDPLUS, CEEPUS, the Nordic Council of Ministers’ exchange scheme for the Nordic and Baltic countries as well as Northwest Russia, the Community of Mediterranean Universities (CUM) and EUCOR (the University Confederation for the Upper Rhine) and would suggest that this dimension be included in the eligibility criteria of existing programmes.

Finally, the CD-ESR Bureau believes that higher education institutions as well as individual staff should be encouraged to take account of the positive role of religion as a factor in European society in relevant areas of research as well as in higher education programmes in relevant fields.

Appendix II

Opinion by the CD-ED bureau

on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1556 (2002)
on religion and change in Central and Eastern Europe

1.       The CD-ED Bureau has taken good note of Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1556 (2002) on religion and change in Central and Eastern Europe. It has also had the benefit of seeing the parallel opinion of the CD-ESR. The present opinion is limited to the aspects concerning school and out-of-school education within the competence of the CD-ED.

2.       The Bureau concurs with the remarks of the CD-ESR on the timeliness and value of the text, and on the need to see the issues of religion in education as a challenge that concerns all member states, allowing for their different circumstances. It cannot but agree that education has a essential role in promoting better understanding between religious communities and also between these and the state and other secular interests.

3.       The CD-ED plans to launch a major project on intercultural education for dialogue on religion. It will form an integral part of the Council’s response to terrorism through the reinforcement of a tolerant and pluralistic democratic society, including the dimensions of intercultural understanding, prevention of conflicts and in particular a deeper dialogue on matters involving religion. The project will deal with the issues raised in paragraphs 8.ix and x of Assembly Recommendation 1556 in a more systematic and pan-European context.

4.       The project will have to take careful account of the different environments, religious demography and political traditions of different countries. These differences make it premature to endorse specific policy recommendations. For example, while it is essential to value the input of faith communities to religious education where it exists in public schools, it is also important to introduce multiple perspectives on faiths and to maintain a distinction between education about religion, which is a legitimate option for the curriculum and subject to normal professional standards, and instruction in a religion, which should take place outside the school. Similarly, while the comparative approach (education about religious cultures) is attractive, and has been adopted by several countries, it is also desirable to explore how far the shared objective of preparation for dialogue can be achieved through confessionally based or secular models. A further issue is how it can be best integrated with the other intercultural and citizenship objectives of the school.

5.       The Bureau, like that of the CD-ESR, fully agrees with the principle of equal access of members of all religious traditions to education (paragraph 8.xii). It also agrees, mutatis mutandis, with the CD-ESR Bureau’s observations on the question of resources for studies benefiting religious minorities.

6.       The CD-ED looks forward to further opportunities for a cordial dialogue with the Parliamentary Assembly, in particular through the latter’s representatives in its statutory meetings and in the conferences to be held within the project.

Appendix III

Opinion of the Advisory Council

on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1556 (2002)

on religion and change in Central and Eastern Europe

1.       In accordance with Decision No. CM/839/15052002 of the Committee of Ministers, the Advisory Council on Youth Questions of the Council of Europe has adopted the following opinion on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1556 (2002):

2.       The Advisory Council finds the recommendation on religion and change in Central and Eastern Europe to be of great importance. The growing number of recommendations that exist on similar issues prove that this subject is indeed very sensitive and one which needs to be taken seriously. Central and Eastern Europe is a very fragile area, bearing in mind the thin line that exists between renewing religious traditions on the one hand, and the emergence of fundamentalist organizations on the other. Moreover, there is often no clear legislative framework regulating the relationships between the religious and state authorities. Therefore, efforts must be made to provide an efficient system of protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

3.       Europe’s shared heritage, which is both rich and diverse in religion, needs to be maintained as regards the mutual understanding, respect for and coexistence of two Christian cultures, Western and Eastern, as well as the Jewish culture and the Islamic culture which are more and more present not only in the region but throughout Europe.

4.       It should be stressed that in a region that is currently passing through specific religious and social changes, it is essential to promote intercultural and inter-religious dialogue and to encourage exchanges among cultures and religions. The Advisory Council is firmly convinced that youth organisations have a strong interest and an important role to fulfil in the fields of:

- the promotion of intercultural and inter-religious dialogue in Europe;

- the promotion of cultural and religious exchanges, and of traditions;

- encouraging young people to find their own spirituality in diversity and in a mix of traditions, cultures, religions and ethnic backgrounds;

- the promotion of non-formal education.

5.       The seventeen operational points of the Recommendation (paragraph 8), divided in two groups, “legal guarantees and their observance” and “culture, education and exchange”, state precisely the various actions recommended. Nevertheless, some reflections on the text might be appropriate, with regard to ensuring that a clear message is maintained:

- Para. 8.iv: The Advisory Council considers that if such legislation does not exist in national law, steps need to be undertaken to make sure that abuse of religious freedoms is an offence which leads to legal action and procedures;

- Para. 8.viii: The Advisory Council considers it important to include “cultures” alongside “countries” in this paragraph;

- Para. 8.ix: Bearing in mind the diversity of religions and places of worship (church, mosque, synagogue, etc.), the Advisory Council considers that it would be more appropriate to refer to “religious” rather than “church” authorities;

- Paras 8.xiii and xiv: The Advisory Council notes the particular importance to young people of encouraging inter-confessional relations and exchange of information related to different cultures, notably when taking into consideration long-term perspectives in the region;

- Para 8.xiv: The Advisory Council prefers not to look for specific target groups (e.g. students, research workers and artists) for which exchange programmes should be promoted, but rather to make them open to all.

6.       The Advisory Council is of the opinion that the Recommendation should be addressed to the principal religious authorities in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as to the parties mentioned in paragraph 8 of the Recommendation.

Appendix IV

Opinion of CD-PAT

on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1556 (2002)

on religion and change in Central and Eastern Europe

While it is for other Council of Europe committees to express an opinion on the points in Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1556(2002) concerning guarantees of religious rights, the CDPAT considers that the provisions relating to heritage, culture, education and exchange are of direct concern to it. In this connection, the committee points out that it gave an opinion in 2001 on Assembly Recommendation 1484 (2000) on “Management of cathedrals and other major religious buildings in use”. On that occasion, with regard to conservation policies, it stressed the need to respect the provisions of the laws and agreements issued by civil and religious authorities in vigour in each European state. It was also recommended that civil authorities familiarize themselves with the policies established by religious authorities for the protection, preservation and the enhancement of their cultural heritage and develop a policy of co-operation as a consequence. The Committee then emphasized the need to acknowledge not only the often remarkable material value of religious cultural heritage, but also its intrinsic spiritual significance and sacred character, and its contribution to people’s sense of belonging and identity.

Furthermore, the heritage sector organised from 1998 three meetings between representatives of the Christian religions (Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant), the Jewish religion and Islam with a view to contributing to the inter-religious dialogue through an exchange of views about heritage policies. The first of these meetings concerned the question of illicit trade in cultural property. During the Campaign “Europe, a common heritage” five seminars were also organised by the Holy See dealing with the conservation of religious cultural assets.

The committee endorses the guidelines set out in Recommendation 1556 concerning in particular the inclusion of information on the main religious cultures in school curricula and equal access to the media for representatives of all religious traditions. It supports the proposed measures for strengthening intercultural and inter-religious dialogue, while noting that the work which it has done over the last ten years or so to teach and raise awareness about the heritage has tended to present the heritage to young people in a way that encourages knowledge of diversity, mutual understanding and acceptance of differences. The cultural routes programme, with, for example, the south-east Europe route and the Santiago de Compostela pilgrim routes, comprises a whole range of initiatives which highlight the wealth of the religious heritage in terms of its architectural, artistic and musical components and its relations with the human, social, economic and natural environment.

The theme of the religious heritage will be addressed from various angles in the implementation of the CDPAT’s programme drawn up in the wake of the 5th Conference of Ministers responsible for the Cultural Heritage (Portoroz, April 2001). This programme covers the drawing up of new reference texts, technical co-operation activities and awareness-raising initiatives focusing on a broader definition of the notion of heritage. The new instrument currently being prepared by the CDPAT on cultural heritage as a resource for development will deal in particular with the functions of heritage in the context of multicultural societies where different communities and different cultural and religious traditions co-exist. One major activity of the committee will be concerned with ethics and methods of interpreting and explaining the heritage, with the aim of moving beyond the conflicts of the past and securing recognition for the universal principle of a “common heritage” belonging to all Europeans.

The CDPAT in particular:

-       agreed with the point of view expressed in point 8 v. of the Assembly Recommendation. It considered that the return of religious cultural assets which had been nationalised in the past should be guaranteed not only to churches and religious institutions but also to church communities; necessary steps should also be taken to avoid privatisation of nationalised church property;

-       suggested that the text of the Assembly Recommendation 1556 (2002) be submitted to the participants at the cultural ministers’ meeting to be held in Strasbourg on 17-19 February 2003 so that they can take stock of it in their discussion about interfaith and intercultural dialogue and conflict prevention.

Appendix V

Opinion of CD-CULT

on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1556 (2002)

on religion and change in Central and Eastern Europe

The CDCULT welcomes the interest shown by the Parliamentary Assembly in the situation and development of religions in central and eastern European countries and concurs with the guidelines set out in Recommendation 1556 (2002) asking governments to combat the increase in intolerance between various religious institutions and to foster a multi-cultural and multi-faith society.

The Recommendation’s cultural aspects cannot fail to evoke a response from the CDCULT, which seeks to promote permanent dialogue between cultures and the followers of various religions. For example, the CDCULT has identified the promotion of inter-cultural dialogue, and its religious component, as one of its main priorities, has organised a series of colloquies and put forward a Declaration on their new responsibilities to Ministers of Culture. Indeed, as Recommendation 1556 (2002) emphasises with regard to central and eastern Europe, cultural changes such as the collapse of communism, the emergence of new states, freedom of movement, changes that impact on the economy as well as information and press freedom, development of the Internet and transfrontier television, have all led to a far-reaching transformation of cultures, and require an open attitude to others, in a spirit of respect and honest dialogue.

The CDCULT recognises that cultural policy is a complex matter for governments, but admission to Europe obliges states to find a balance between democratic principles and fundamental rights on the one hand, and maintaining a nation’s cultural, ethical and religious identity on the other. Consequently, states have a duty to invite religious institutions to respect the letter as well as the spirit of Europe’s founding principles. The CDCULT is firmly persuaded that no society can withdraw around a possibly illusionary cultural heritage which negates the concept of cultural identity as a changing phenomenon, without endangering itself and the wider community of nations. Cultural identity is never static: it certainly reflects the heritage from which it has emerged, but also the concept of progress towards the universal. While negating tradition gives rise to the risk that a particular culture will lose the essential human heritage that it ought to transmit, the refusal to accept input from other cultures – especially when, historically, they have contributed to a civilisation’s ethical, educational and spiritual progress – may lead to isolation and rejection of others, in an intolerant spirit that, all too inevitably, leads to violence. Economic globalisation is advancing with unstoppable momentum and requires a change in behaviour. If a genuine attempt at dialogue between the various religious institutions is not launched, they will inevitably run the risk of losing their unique function within society.

Consequently, the CDCULT believes that it is especially important, and urgent, that all confessions return to a climate of cordial dialogue, mutual respect and reciprocal acceptance in the countries of central and eastern Europe.

Appendix VI

Intercultural learning and solidarity in the Mediterranean

A training course in human rights education and intercultural learning with young people in the Euro-Mediterranean context, 2 to 11 September, European Youth Centre Budapest

The importance of developing communication and co-operation possibilities for youth policy actors across the Mediterranean was recognised early by the Council of Europe’s youth sector. A series of activities on Euro-Arab dialogue were held between 1994 and 1998 focussing on developing political co-operation among youth organisations and culminating in a symposium held at the EYC Budapest in 1997. More recently, the threats to peace and equality in human dignity that have escalated since September 2001 have seriously affected young people in the Mediterranean region and re-created prejudice and cultural discrimination that stress antagonism as opposed to co-operation and confrontation instead of peace building.

It was against this background that the Directorate of Youth and Sport and the North-South Centre (Directorate of Political Affairs) took the initiative of organising a training course for youth leaders interested and active in Euro-Mediterranean co-operation focussing on intercultural learning and human rights. This pilot course aimed at enabling youth workers and youth leaders to develop their competence and skills for project development in intercultural learning, human rights education and global education and had the following objectives:

▪       To develop a common understanding of the situations and challenges faced by young people across the Mediterranean;

▪       To provide tools for analysis of the present challenges to closer co-operation among partners across the Mediterranean, including xenophobia and racism, prejudice and ignorance, social exclusion and poverty, and unequal opportunities for social and political participation;

▪       To familiarise the participants with the approaches and activities of COMPASS (the manual on human rights education with young people);

▪       To provide information about existing possibilities and conditions for the development of Euro-Mediterranean youth co-operation projects;

▪       To support participants in developing common projects and to identify common criteria and approaches for follow-up projects and initiatives;

▪       To develop an informal network of youth workers and youth leaders in the European and Mediterranean regions.

The course was a success before it started. More than 350 applications to participate were received, with a good geographical spread from member states and from Eastern and Southern Mediterranean countries. The provision and the dissemination of the course information in Arabic language had a clear positive role in this respect. The course was attended by 30 participants from Algeria, Armenia, Croatia, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia, Malta, Morocco, Palestine, Poland, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey.

The programme was structured so as to provide knowledge and information on three key issues: human rights and human rights education, intercultural learning and the development of local follow-up projects. The methodology adopted allowed for a deep and intensive exchange about common values and the role of human rights as the basis for co-operation and development of intercultural learning approaches.

The course produced 8 projects that are now in the process of implementation by the participants, ranging from youth exchanges, dissemination of COMPASS and human rights education at local level, and the development of regional networks.

The European Commission was represented at the course and provided useful information about its Euro-Med youth programme and the possibilities it offers for youth projects. Both the North-South Centre and the Directorate of Youth and Sport evaluated very positively this co-operation and are committed to continue it, probably together with the European Commission, in the form a Covenant on training for the Euro-Med youth programme.

¹ “COMPASS – Manual on Human Rights Education with Young People” is a comprehensive manual offering sound background knowledge on human rights-related issues, a wide diversity of practical exercises, methods and references to relevant legal documents, organisations and proposals for action plans. Eminently practical, it has been conceived for use both in non-formal and in formal education settings. It has been published in English, French and Russian in the course of 2002. Copyright agreements for translation in non-official languages are under preparation. The Compass website will be accessible from the DYS websites and will have its own address (www.coe.int/compass).