Debate 1: Tolerance: Models and Practices Meaning and understanding of tolerance Universal values and local practice Code of tolerance

Debate 1: Tolerance: Models and Practices

Meaning and understanding of tolerance

Universal values and local practice

Code of tolerance

Experts: Sister Raphael, Michael Daxner, Ustün Ergüder

Moderator: Krzysztof Bobiński

First speaker Mr. Daxner opened the debate by explaining if it wasn’t for his respect for the Villa Decius Association he would not speak today. He stated that tolerance is nothing you can achieve from below. He offered his belief that Real democracy is essential in the overall concept of tolerance. to create a real environment is a result of declared tolerance. However, he stated that he was deeply sceptical about the claim that we can establish tolerance in society today.

The first case he spoke about was the Balkan region, going back as far as the Ottoman Empire to lament the treatment afforded to the region. He questioned whether the events of the Serbian/Albanian conflict were a reminder of the failures of 20^th century world. The Albanian/Serbian conflict was referred to as’’ plutonic’’ and something that had been many centuries in existence. One institution International Business College of Metrovica within Kosovo caters for both Albanian and Serbian people. Certainly this was cited as a successful aspect of tolerance, the organisation built two campuses one for each side (Albanian & Serbian) of the river, however they did not compromise on the core interests of the school. A Serbian Construction Company built the campus; Albanian company couldn’t be hired due to tension between the two groups. The Serbian company hires cheap Albanian workers. Dangerous idea of uniting two groups, which is one of the core problems of this region.

Second case study North-eastern Afghanistan perhaps even more fractured than the Kosovo example. He recalled how there are two strange methods of peacekeeping and peace building within country. Strategic alliance between unlikely partner’s farmers and police is very interesting within the country. Wonderful example provided of tolerance between opium drug dealers and local police forces which is a fascinating relationship. Tolerance is evident in this example and through this relationship violence and terror are eradicated to an extent (not totally). Clearly there has been economic progress within the region, but this is still the beginning of the process.

The capacity of negotiation has created a new section within the Taliban. For a long time the TALIBAN were burning down female schools. This has halted to an extent; tolerance has come about in some instances although it is a work in progress. Ethnic violence has almost stopped in Kosovo while Afghanistan it has also been halted. Pragmatic Tolerance.

The second speaker Mr. Ergüder as Mr. Daxner had done before him lavished praise on the Villa Decius prior to speaking. He outlined his experiences as a political scientist. He explained that although not a diplomat, he served in two diplomatic instances. His first experience was the Greek-Turkish forum which is still on-going today. Events moved quicker than both sides could have envisioned, but progress was made and aspects of tolerance were noted. The forum is composed of experts and diplomats and is still on-going today. The second example is the Turkish-Armenian reconciliation commission, which he argued is perhaps a more interesting example.

The Turkish side had an air force general on their side, while their Armenian counterparts had a politician, a Russian based politician and an American on their sides. The issues discussed included historical problems between these sides, current political relations (although there are essentially none). However, there is a lot of Armenian’s working in Turkey. Political ties are non-existent due to the massacre of 1915 and the outcome is finally resolved.

The American representative believed the Turkish-Armenian consultation group should have leaked their progress. The American facilitator tried to go public on the discussions and all progress was essentially lost. The leaking of the story to the New York Times essentially killed the discussions and undoubtedly did not benefit anyone to any degree. Once the topics of discussions remained private progress could be obtained, however upon leaking some of the discussions to the press all the development between the sides had been lost.

He outlined how his own educational background while in Turkey, but particular in Manchester really opened his eyes to the Armenian perspective. He claimed it is important to see the argument from both sides and to ‘’be able to put yourself on somebody else’s position’’. In reference to the Greek-Turkish divide he outlined he visited Greek islands and saw that Turkish dominance over these regions would undoubtedly be a frightening thought.

He admits he shares scepticism on the subject of tolerance. He explained why tolerance is not something that is granted, but something that is understood. The need for understanding is essential to one’s overall understanding of tolerance, words such as; equality, mutuality and respect should be utilised to assist in our understanding and comprehension of tolerance.

Education is a critical component of developing tolerance. He expressed his belief that education systems should be revamped so as to increase our appreciation of tolerance.

The final speaker returning from Rwanda was Sister Raphael who thanked all in attendance for coming to this inspiring event. She addressed her work over the last twelve years in India, South Africa and Rwanda. Her work primarily consisted of working with blind people, in the three countries discrimination and inequality was widespread, both among local communities and nationally.

In India the Caste system has arguably inhibited many pockets of the population of the Indian people.  The relationship between people of differing Castes is something that has affected the country for many centuries.  The thought of marrying outside your Caste is simply unfathomable and the cause of much pain and suffering throughout the country. Lack of tolerance is emphasised through this system and the issue of religion whereby it is perceived that ‘’only true’’ Indians are only such if they practice Hinduism. This practice undoubtedly leads to hatred and often endangers the lives of innocents. Foreigners find it practically impossible to work there again due to the reasons explained earlier. The concept of a dowry is also a source of in-tolerance and can on occasion lead to tragedy which can lead to the death of woman.

From 2002-2006, she worked in South Africa in the Northern Provence. Although the problems faced here are disparately different than those encountered within India there are certainly by no means insignificant. Apartheid was a key problem within the country and the idea of a lack of tolerance certainly stems from this unruly law. Diseases within the country also lead to in-tolerance and albino children. Perhaps the greatest affliction within the region is AIDS. This sickness is a major taboo within the region and even those who are affected refuse to acknowledge their infection in fear of being exiled.

She has been in Rwanda since the later part of 2006. In this country the poverty rate is something that continues to lead many within the region to suffer from hardship and poverty. Since Rwanda gained its independence ethnic tensions rose to the surface leading to the horrific genocide of 1994 that horrified a world united in grief. The outcome of this is a continued lack of trust and tolerance that has contributed to the stifling of religious tolerance and understanding within the country. The participation of priests in the massacres has undermined the stature of the church in the region and this is something that is not easily repaired. Over 20,000 blind children live in the country and over 11 million are living in poverty. Diseases and illnesses are perceived to be a curse and cause untold amount of pain and suffering within the region. Currently the organisation cares for 92 children, but more funding is needed to make a sustained difference.

The sister closed by asking in attendance to pause for a moment of reflection and a prayer.

Following each debaters remarks the floor opened to questions which were both insightful and thought provoking to all in attendance.