The third Let My People Live! World Forum to commemorate 70 years since die Kristallnacht tragedy in Germany is scheduled for November 10, 2008 in Brussels, as part of a major international project called European Day of Tolerance.

Background, Goals and Tasks

European Day of Tolerance is a set of events and special occasions initiated by leading European political and public organisations to help prevent violations of human rights and to fight xenophobia, racism, anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance on the European continent. In light of the importance of the issue of tolerance and the need to inform the general public on the continent and throughout the world about the concept and outcomes of European Day of Tolerance, it is proposed that wide coverage of all related events should be provided by leading global media outlets.

The activities on the agenda for European Day of Tolerance and its follow-up events include significant legislative efforts, special regular targeted research of the issue of tolerance, implementation of educational programmes and the holding of memorial events.

European Day of Tolerance and related events will place key emphasis on the pan-European legal aspects of observing human rights and counteracting violations and crimes motivated by race, ethnicity or religion. For this reason, one of the key elements is a proposal to the European Parliament of a draft framework Convention on Tolerance in Europe in the form of a set of universal legislative measures to promote tolerance and fight hate crimes.

In view of the deepening integration process and, as a result, the more intensive contacts between people with different ethnic backgrounds and cultural, religious, social and political values, the most important factor for supporting and strengthening tolerance in Europe is the growing need to ensure opportunities for conflict-free and effective cooperation and communication. Systematic efforts to maintain tolerance at the legislative, educational, cultural and other levels are required both in short and long term. The organisations and institutions initiating European Day of Tolerance are committed to furthering these efforts.

Major Practical Outcomes of European Day of Tolerance

· A Concept of Tolerance Convention for Europe to be presented to leading European integration institutions, primarily the European Union (European Parliament) and the Council of Europe (Parliamentary Assembly)

· Recommended Model National Legislation on Tolerance and Fight Against Various Forms of Intolerance as an example for developing and implementing universal legislative measures in European states.

· Creation of an international public institution, as a Council to monitor tolerance in Europe. The Council will include renowned political and public leaders, scientists, Nobel Prize winners, and famous individuals who have gained world recognition for their achievements in the humanities and promoting tolerance. Former President of Poland Aleksander Kwasniewski has agreed to chair the Council

· Development and regularly publishing White Paper on Tolerance in Europe to provide tolerance monitoring data and promote measures to improve the current state of affairs. The council chaired by Aleksander Kwasniewski will coordinate publication of the White Paper on Tolerance

Major Events:Date and Location

The key events of European Day of Tolerance are scheduled for November 10, 2008 in Brussels, the political capital of Europe.

· Special Session of the European Parliament

To discuss a draft framework Tolerance Convention for Europe, the issue of establishing Tolerance Day in Europe; to present Model National Legislation on Tolerance and Fighting Various Manifestation of Intolerance, as well as a draft White Paper on Tolerance

· Third Let My People Live! World Forum to Mark 70 Years since die Kristallnacht

This will be an art and memorial event, including addresses by officials and witnesses to the tragedy, as well as artistic reconstruction. Another important date to be commemorated this year is 73 years since the adoption of the notorious Nuremberg laws. As a symbol of intolerance, this echoes the modern concept of Tolerance Day

During the Forum, the council headed by Aleksander Kwasniewski will decorate world leaders and public activists with Tolerance Medals for their important achievements in strengthening and promoting the concept of tolerance

Guests and Participants

International political and public figures, representatives of NGOs and the world’s religions, scientists and artists, members of youth organisations and movements, Holocaust survivors.

Organisers

• European Parliament
• Council of Europe
• European Jewish Congress

Co-organisers

• World Holocaust Forum Foundation
• The Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority Yad Vashem (Israel)

Patronage

European Day of Tolerance will be held under the personal patronage of Secretary General of the Council of Europe Terry Davis and President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Lluís Maria de Puig.