Ms. Genevieve Jourdan - Association of World Citizens (in French)
Thank you very much. I would like to talk about the extreme vulnerability
of certain minority groups represented in the second and third generation
of migrants.
Each state should try to ensure that each minority have pride in its culture,
culture that they have brought because human culture is rich because of
its variety. Each civilisation is unique and cannot be replaced and each
cultural minority should follow that road.
Unfortunately, we see a large number of suicides among second and third
generation of migrant families.
And we believe there is a duty of transmission, which can only be done
through language and that language is an emotional element important in
the building of personality. It is like cooking, smells, music, beats. And the
right to citizenship should also be granted in kindergarten, primary and
secondary school and we should never forget the role played by families to
reveal many facets of customs, culture and folklore. Because this would
help prevent racial discrimination, opening up to others, understanding
others better is important.
States therefore like Italy should take the language of their nationals and
carry it throughout the world. We have seen reaction against the threat to
languages but this has to be also done through associations. So we ask
states to work together with associations and determine with them what
sort of program be best for migrants. And do not forget that human dignity
depends on that sort of link. Thank you.