UNESCO. General Conference; 36th; 36 C/5: volume 1: Draft ...

Biennial sectoral priority 2: Supporting Member States in their responses
to social transformations, notably to promote democracy and sustainable
development for the consolidation of a culture of peace and non-violence
Main line of action 2: Promoting a culture of peace and non-violence
through action pertaining to human rights, democracy, reconciliation,
dialogue and philosophy and including all political and social partners,
in particular youth
03029 Widespread social tensions, with increasing violence, intolerance, and inequality in connection with
accelerated urbanization, migration, environmental change and other systemic factors, threaten the
development of a culture of peace. Mobilizing philosophical reflection and critical thinking to enhance
understanding of such current and emerging challenges, MPIII will contribute to promoting a culture
of peace and non-violence by promoting international understanding of social inclusion as necessarily
grounded on a solid framework of fundamental freedoms, human rights, democratic culture,
reconciliation and dialogue. With this in mind, efforts will be made towards overcoming obstacles to
the full enjoyment of human rights in the fields of competence of UNESCO, with particular reference
to the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and to freedom of expression for scientists, artists
and intellectuals. A special emphasis will be put on the role youth and women can play as agents of
change in societies. In particular, policies in favour of youth will be encouraged and young women
and men will be empowered to actively engage in their communities, particularly in reconciliation
and peace processes. Human rights mainstreaming will also be enhanced by continued investment
in HRBA training. MP III will build on experience in prevention of violence among youth through
North-South-South cooperation, especially with Africa, and through development of good practices
and provision of advice to Member States with respect to civic engagement. Knowledge production
and research will be supported to better understand the situation of youth and technical assistance will
be provided to Member States in developing and reviewing related public policies, including through
implementation of the Strategy on African Youth 2009-2013. Efforts to foster social inclusion will focus
on the need to sustain the fight against all forms of discrimination, including, racism, xenophobia,
intolerance, exclusion, and gender-based discrimination, segregation and violence, in compliance
with the 2009 Durban Review outcome document, with a view to shaping an inclusive legacy that
young people can carry forward and enhance. Given the importance of post-migratory patterns of
inclusion in contemporary cities, particular emphasis will be put on designing inclusive, democratic
and participatory policies or strategies at municipal level, working through the Coalition of Cities
against Racism and Discrimination on the basis of the Ten-Point Plan of Action as well as through the
mechanisms of the MOST programme.
03030 Human rights will be advanced by conceptual development, mainstreaming of human rights within
UNESCO’s fields of competence into policies and teaching, and training. Policy recommendations with
regard to the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications will be elaborated
and disseminated in partnership with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
(OHCHR) and the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR),
seeking synergies as appropriate with COMEST, IBC, IGBC and MP II. Further synergies will be
created with MP V for the promotion of the right to freedom of expression for intellectuals. Drawing
on the agreement for renewed partnership with UNESCO Chairs, support will be provided for the
mainstreaming of human rights within UNESCO’s fields of competence, in relevant areas such as
human rights and bioethics, in academic curricula. At the policy level, MP III will contribute to the
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