Learning to know the other : the power of intercultural dialogue in improving human rights in multicultural societies

Abstract

The increasing cultural diversity of European societies is an issue that can bring great benefits to everyone living in the continent. However, if not handled properly, it can also have terrible consequences in regards to the respect for the human rights of all its members, particularly for those who do not share the majoritarian culture. In order to address this situation, intercultural dialogue appears as the most effective instrument to prevent conflicts, by including minorities and guaranteeing the right of every member in the society to have a cultural identity of their own. Holding that the practice of intercultural dialogue is needed, this thesis argues that its promotion at every level shall be encouraged, a task that involves different actors such as political leaders, the European Union and the national governments, mass media and civil society. Therefore, in order to prove the outcomes of intercultural dialogue, a case study of several initiatives in the city of Thessalonki, Greece, has been carried out, pointing out the benefits and also the challenges that its practice implies in the current context of the country. In order to improve its practice, some recommendations have been formulated aiming to contribute to its improvement not only in the city, but also to be generalized in the wider European context.