The annual OSCE Mediterranean Seminar represents the highlight of each year's work between the OSCE and its Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation. It gathers representatives of the participating States and the Mediterranean Partners, as well as international organizations and civil society to discuss a theme that is of topical relevance to security in the Mediterranean and in the broader OSCE region.
Reflecting a priority that had been highlighted for the third year in a row by the Mediterranean Partners, this year’s seminar concentrated on promoting tolerance and non-discrimination. The agenda for 2007 followed up on the agendas of the 2005 Rabat and 2006 Sharm-el-Sheikh seminars, in which tolerance and non-discrimination also found an important, albeit not central, role.
The Seminar was hosted by Israel and the OSCE and was organized by the OSCE Secretariat in accordance to Permanent Council Decision 808.
The Seminar highlighted areas where implementation of existing OSCE commitments in the field of tolerance and non-discrimination has taken place and identified areas where further implementation is needed. It also highlighted best practices of States and civil society in selected areas, as well as areas where OSCE institutions have supported States and civil society in implementing their commitments. A particular reference to the role of women in countering intolerance and discrimination as well as promoting mutual respect and understanding was made.
Civil society representatives were welcome to participate in the Seminar and to take the floor during sessions and to organize side events.
Prior to the Seminar, a separate Preparatory Meeting for civil-society representatives co-organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Citizens' Accord Forum (CAF) took place on 17 December 2007. The aim of the Preparatory Meeting was to enable civil society representatives to prepare recommendations to present at the Seminar. Additional information about the preparatory meeting is available on this website.
The Helsinki Document of 1992 (Chapter IV) called for increasing the openness of OSCE activities and expanding the role of NGOs. In particular, in paragraph (15) of Chapter IV the participating States decided during CSCE meetings to facilitate informal discussion meetings between representatives of participating States and of NGOs, and to provide encouragement to NGOs organizing seminars on CSCE-related issues. In line with this decision, NGOs, governments, and other participants are encouraged to organize side meetings on relevant issues of their choice.
With PC.DEC/808 the participating States decided, for the first time, to hold, on the eve of the Seminar, a meeting on the role of civil society in combating intolerance and discrimination and promoting mutual respect and understanding in the OSCE participating States and the Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation.
