The Process of Integration in Multicultural Society - between Legislation and Theoretical Assumptions

• Author: Aneta Kobylinska
• Pages: 691-695

691

ANETA KOBYLILSKA*

THE PROCESS OF INTEGRATION IN MULTICULTURAL

SOCIETY – BETWEEN LEGISLATION

AND THEORETICAL ASSUMPTIONS

Abstract

Modern societies are currently facing an extreme amount of migration. In light of this, the process

of integration is becoming more and more important in the creation of peaceful and safe societies

in Europe. Therefore, it is essential to look into the theoretical assumptions of this phenomenon, as

well as to construct a policy which incorporates practical solutions. Moreover, a common policy

for all European countries is indispensable to ensure immigrants are protected from the

repercussions of xenophobia and prejudice and to guarantee equal human rights. Consequently,

mutual understanding is essential to construct intercultural societies. Intercultural education is,

thus, becoming a widely used term to identify education that strives to develop tolerance and

open-mindedness towards other cultures, to encourage respect for cultural diversity and to move

beyond prejudices and ethnocentrism in all fields.

The following article provides an analysis of human rights and rights related to intercultural

education and immigrants. In addition, it provides a theoretical deliberation of the concept of

integration and presents practical solutions for building an international dialog in specific

sectors of governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Modern societies are currently facing an extreme amount of

migration. In light of this, the process of integration is becoming more

and more important in the creation of peaceful and safe societies in

Europe. Therefore, it is essential to look into the theoretical assumptions

of this phenomenon, as well as to construct a policy which incorporates

practical solutions. Moreover, a common policy for all countries is

indispensable to ensure immigrants are protected from the repercussions

of xenophobia and prejudice and to guarantee equal human rights.

Consequently, mutual understanding is essential to construct intercultural

societies. Intercultural education is, thus, becoming a widely used term to

identify education that strives to develop tolerance and open-mindedness

towards other cultures, to encourage respect for cultural diversity and to

move beyond prejudices and ethnocentrism in all fields.

Numerous acts were created to protect human rights. The core

human rights treatises, such as the International Covenant on Civil and

Political Rights (ICCPR)1, and the European Convention on Human Rights

* University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn.

1 ICCPR: 1). applies to both nationals and non-nationals 2). adopts all-embracing

language e.g. “no one”, “everyone” 3). recquires each State Party to respect and ensure

the rights of individual within its territory without distinction of any kind such as race,

colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin,

property, birth or other status.