A Parliamentary Web Dialogue to explore challenges faced by minorities and vulnerable populations in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Monday 22 June, 15:00-17:00 (CET). Livestreaming here.
Racism and discrimination against ethnic, linguistic and religious minorities are on the rise during the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic and related measures, if not carefully managed, have the potential to exacerbate dormant tensions within diverse societies and fuel discrimination, threatening stability and security. There is a risk that existing divisions may deepen, creating an environment in which identity-related matters can be politicized. The decisions that authorities take now may have long-term implications for the resilience and stability of diverse societies in the future.
Against this backdrop, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is holding a webinar to discuss the challenges and opportunities in diverse societies presented by COVID-19, and explore ways to help support social cohesion in responses to the pandemic. OSCE parliamentarians will discuss what steps have been taken in their countries to counteract scapegoating of minorities and other vulnerable groups and misinformation related to COVID-19, and share best practices on how governments can counter the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on minority communities.
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The webinar will feature remarks from Chair of the OSCE PA Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions Kyriakos Kyriakou-Hadjiyianni; OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Ambassador Lamberto Zannier; and Nada Al-Nashif, Deputy UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
