CMC PRESS RELEASE on Dakar’s world social forum 2011

CMC ADVOCATES A MORE PEACEFUL AND FAIR INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM IN DAKAR’S WORLD SOCIAL FORUM 2011

The Centre Maurits Coppieters (CMC) is co-organising a panel on conflict resolution within the World Social Forum in Dakar for a second time. The panel “Conflict analysis with a focus on collective rights” took place today – 8th February 2011.

“Non-recognition of linguistic and cultural rights and non-recognition of the right to self-determination are triggering factors of conflict” says Xabier Macias (CMC President) who in the framework of the forum will explore formulae to provide peaceful solutions to international armed struggles and civil wars affecting Africa. In addition he will call for a more active role for Europe in achieving a change of paradigm in the international system. “We must put every effort into peaceful resolution of conflicts and respect for cultural diversity, unprotected languages and collective rights if we want to effectively contribute to long lasting peace in post conflict scenarios” he adds.

The panel is composed with pro-African activists, social researchers, specialists on minority issues and experts on international relations.

The delegation is headed by the Green/EFA member of the European Parliament Oriol Junqueras.