OSCE High-level Conference participants adopted Astana Declaration on Tolerance and Non-discrimination

The Foreign Minister thanked the participants for active discussions held within the Conference and for the contribution they had made to promotion of tolerance and non-discrimination. "Tolerance is one of the key factors of President Nazarbayev's declaration of Kazakhstan's OSCE presidency and we recognize this conference for Kazakhstan and the OSCE as a further link in ensuring international harmony. I would like to insure the institutions of the OSCE and participating states be able to discuss the problems which have been accumulated in fight against intolerance and in countering the problems such as anti-Semitism and discrimination of all types. It is important to strengthen our law enforcement activity to promote non-discrimination", K.Saudabayev said.

Upon the results of the Conference the delegates adopted the Astana Declaration on Tolerance and Non-discrimination. Summing up the proceedings of the Declaration the Kazakh Foreign Minister noted that the Document called for implementation of the OSCE commitments with a view to devising and implementing effective policy measures aimed at preventing and responding to manifestations of racism, anti-Semitism, xenophobia, discrimination and intolerance through legislation, law enforcement training, data collection and monitoring of hate crimes, education, media and constructive public discourse.

According to the Minister, the OSCE participating states should commit to countering prejudice, discrimination, intolerance and violence against Christians and members of other religions as well as strongly condemn all manifestations of anti-Semitism.