E. Consolidating commitments on non-discrimination
94. The current grounds of discrimination listed within OSCE Ministerial Council Decisions on Tolerance and Non-Discrimination include reference to discrimination based, inter
alia, on race, skin colour, sex, language, religion or belief, political or other opinion, national
or social origin, property, birth or other status. Given the deeper understanding of phenomena of exclusion in contemporary society, it may be useful to review the implementation of
the important commitments in this field. With a view to further operationalizing the implementation of existing commitments, it might be advisable to consolidate all grounds for discrimination in a comprehensive document.
Overall, OSCE States are encouraged to strengthen their review of the implementation of existing commitments with a view to identifying possible areas in which further action is required as a matter of urgency. Specific issues include the so-called Copenhagen Plus commitments, new commitments in the area of the separation of powers, and those pertaining to
practical measures through which the commitment to prevent torture could be implemented
more effectively. The report also suggested consolidating and operationalizing commitments
pertaining to tolerance and non-discrimination. In all areas, the existing acquis could be supplemented and defined more concretely.
u States should consider the value and need for supplementary commitments in the
areas identified in this report:
(1) Elections: transparency, accountability, and public confidence;
(2) Democracy and the rule of law, including the separation of powers, democratic law-making, and in
the area of administration of justice;
(3) Countering terrorism;
(4) Prevention of torture;
(5) Consolidating commitments on non-discrimination.
u States should examine concrete follow-up to this in preparation of the Ministerial
Council in Madrid in 2007.
The ODIHR stands ready to continue to support States with regard to formulating commitments supplementing existing ones with a view towards further discussions by States of a Copenhagen Plus document, as well as in other human dimension areas, if so requested.
32
Common Responsibility: Commitments and Implementation
Select target paragraph3
Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents