Democracy and participation: the power of citizenship
Ángeles Solanes, professor of law at Valencia University and director of R&D project "Human rights, multicultural societies and conflicts", imparted a lecture on "Democracy and participation: the power of citizenship" on 25 February, within Cullera's University and Society program. Based on the City of Cullera's commitment to lifelong education, the program is aimed at the population over 30 with a motivation to learn and interest in culture. The conference series takes place throughout the academic year at the municipal hall and is open to the general public.
Public places and ethnic relations in Valencia
Since the summer of 2012, the city of Valencia and Fundación CeiMigra have been conducting an in-depth study on the use of public places by local ethnic communities. Based on their recently published findings, María Jesús Felipe and Pere Climent, from the municipal department of Social Welfare and Integration, will offer a seminar on "Public spaces and ethnic relations in Valencia", addressing the ways in which local authorities can contribute to the prevention of conflicts linked to the enjoyment of urban facilities.
Freedom of worship, islamophobia and neighborhood conviviality
In contexts of religious diversity, new places of worship often give rise to mistrust and tensions. This is what happened in 2004 in the city of Santa Coloma de Gramenet (Barcelona), where the planned installation of a Muslim prayer-room on the ground floor of a residential building triggered an open conflict between neighbors, the city council and the Muslim community. The roots of these events, as well as the response of the local administration, will be analysed on 24 February by Jaume Romero, from the Santa Coloma's Mediation Service, and Taoufik Cheddadi, from Singuerlín Muslim Community, in the seminar entitled "Freedom of worship, islamophobia and neighborhood cohesion: the prayer-room conflict in Santa Coloma de Gramenet".
Is tolerance useful for the management of cultural diversity?
In situations of multicultural conflict, it is frequently suggested or even asserted that the solution lies in the principle of tolerance, the teaching of tolerance, the creation of tolerant habits that foster coexistence, respect and harmony. Such has been the case, for instance, following the abominable attacks against the editorial office of Charlie Hebdo, or in order to criticise the atrocities of Islamic State, or, a few years ago, regarding the controversy sparked by the publication of Muhammad cartoons.
