Rights-based approach to ICD
The British Council's work in ICD recognises the centrality of human rights, which are universal, indivisible and inalienable.
For intercultural dialogue to be most effective, relevant and respected in all contexts, it has to be underpinned by these universal human rights.
Incorporating human rights into ICD projects highlights the importance of respect for the equal dignity of all human beings, the rule of law and democratic principles to guarantee inclusivity and non-domination resulting in critical and constructive dialogue.
Making rights central to ICD work focuses on raising the quality, participation and outcomes of dialogue by setting the parameters of that dialogue through integration of the norms, standards and principles of the international human rights system.
Effective ICD cannot take place in an environment which does not guarantee every individual participating safety and dignity, equality of opportunity and participation and where different views cannot be voiced openly without fear. Therefore all those engaged should be moving to a position during the dialogue process of signing up to the principles of pluralism, inclusiveness and equality so that differences become a subject for dialogue rather than a pretext for exclusion.
The human rights imperative means that a specific focus is given to equality, discrimination and vulnerable groups. These groups include women, minorities, indigenous peoples and other categories of human rights concern. British Council ICD projects will ideally aim to implement specific strategies to reach out to these groups.
An ICD project with a rights-based element to intercultural dialogue may adopt a number of the following features:
- An agreement of dialogue in which the rights of all are protected and promoted and which also outlines personal responsibility and responsibility to others. This is signed by all dialogue participants.
- Use of more participatory techniques to engage participants: for example, traditional stories or real-life scenarios to explore differences.
- Participants own and dictate the terms of reference of the dialogue, themes discussed and take personal action based on the outcomes.
- Projects and participants take the learning from the dialogue to positively influence attitudes, behaviours and relationships with family and friends, the local community and local partners.
- Projects are inclusive, providing safe, shared spaces for the local community, particularly aiming to empower and raise the participation of the most vulnerable groups.
- Where differences do occur people are not judged on their beliefs and opinions.
- Tensions between cultural relativism and international standards are explored in a non-judgemental way not always leading to expected conclusions.
- Recognition that the process of intercultural dialogue will be difficult and may tread on many sensitivities and initially be circumscribed by prejudices, stereotypes, irrational fears and challenging behaviour. Respecting people's right to expression, religious belief and freedom of speech will be critical in navigating through the difficult points of dialogue.
- Discussion and debate within intercultural dialogue is open, therefore empowering rather than shutting down.
- Equality of all participants is a given regardless of status outside the dialogue.
- Power is distributed equally and not based on the person who speaks the loudest or has the most to say.
- Prejudice of any form is understood, challenged and changed during the process of dialogue.
