The Arab Network for Tolerance is a regional network established by RCHRS in June 2008 to serve as a forum where activists, academics, media professionals and youth can come together to identify new strategies for improving the human rights situation in the region. The founding of the Arab Network for Tolerance was announced at a press conference held at the Lebanese Journalists' Union in Beirut on 2 September 2008. This project coincides with RCHRS’ decision to broaden its work outside Palestine, and is part of the Centre’s efforts to reach a wider audience in its work of diffusing the concepts and values of tolerance.

 

The Network aims to disseminate the culture, values and concepts of tolerance and to counter fundamentalism, violence and division,  trends seen throughout Arab countries today. The Network’s stated goal is to “actively contribute to building more tolerant societies in the Arab world”. RCHRS expects that this association of individuals and organisations will be the start of a moderate, secular and effective movement in the Arab countries that can positively influence and develop a variety of sectors in the Arab world, including education, civil society and media.

Anticipated outcomes of the Network include:

• finding ways to challenge destructive fundamentalist trends and approaches
• reaching marginalised groups with the values of tolerance and human rights
• revitalising conventional approaches to human rights and good governance by  introducing the concepts of tolerance and diversity into these discourses.

The Network started with pre-identified groups in six Arab countries (Yemen, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Lebanon and Palestine) that share a basic understanding of the concept of tolerance. The Network is open for organisations and individuals who wish to join and will eventually extend to more Arab countries. It is also expected that the Network will gain a self-momentum that will increase its sustainability and influence.

RCHRS coordinates the Network and is responsible for developing its conceptual and practical framework and for taking a leading role in steering its work. The project, which will initially run for two years, will include a range of structured activities, including training sessions, regional meetings, conferences and publications.

Contact Us

Palestine contacts

West Bank Office

Ramallah Center for Human Rights Studies

Ramallah - Palestine

Tel : +970 2 241 3001

fax : +970 2 241 3002

P.O.Box : 2424

E-mail: rchrs@rchrs.org

www.rchrs.org

 

Gaza Office

Ramallah Center for Human Rights Studies

Gaza City – Palestine Al-Wehdeh St.

Telefax: +970 8 288 9833

E-mail: rchrs@rchrs.org