The EuroMed Civil Forum brought together civil society from countries around the Mediterranean, to discuss the future of the region. They met in Marseille from 31st October to 2nd November and presented their final declaration, including concrete recommendations and proposals, to the EuroMed ministerial conference on 3rd and 4th November 2008.
The declaration “Moving and Living together in the EuroMed space”, reaffirms the importance of properly functioning civil society and the essential element of peace for stability and democracy. It also highlights the positive benefits of migration, comparing this to the 'fortress Europe' stance of the EU and its member states.
The statement ends with 8 proposals for the EuroMed community. These call for the end to short-stay visas; and demand that all relevant international conventions be ratified, and human rights be respected. They call for the organisation of a follow up conference in 2009, and cover issues such as education, gender equality and environmental concerns. The community is asked to readdress the social and economic agenda in the region, and take migration into account in a measured way. Those in power are also invited to let civil society and independent and alternative media play a full role in the region.
More information about the EuroMed Platform and the Civil Forum can be found at http://www.euromedplatform.org/
The text of the final declaration is available at http://www.euromedrights.net/pages/553/news/focus/68134
Information provided by Rebecca Steel, TRIALOG
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