that a crucial intervention for government remains more than ever education for tolerance, civic
behavior, respect of others; as is the strengthening of all the mechanisms against discrimination
The one critique Dr. Callamard thinks may be addressed to the Rabat Plan of Action is that it
placed too much trust and confidence in Governments and in their willingness and ability to
address the incredible complex problems of incitement to violence and hatred, including on
religious grounds. Instead, she believes that the objectives of the Rabat Plan of Action require a
renewed and stronger focus on actors of the civil society, religious leaders and their communities,
and the private sector, particularly the Internet and social Media companies that may have
become easy scapegoats.
These, in her opinion, should be all involved in a RABAT PLUS. The interventions should be
diverse, reflective of every actor’s strengths. But ultimately, these should all tend towards one
direction: engaging in the battle of ideas, to denounce fundamentalist, extremist or radical
thinking, provide alternative and progressive interpretation, and address squarely and without
fear the topics “extremists” monopolize.
Dr. Callamard concludes that the Rabat Plan of Action, including Rabat Plus - involving civil
society, the private sector and religious and other leaders – is not just relevant. It is crucial in
offering a framework of action and intervention that is not guided by elections and power but by
principles of dignity and non-discrimination, values and impact.
11
Select target paragraph3
Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents