Recent events have shown once again that the situation in Macedonia is on the edge of control. Today's school day brings fear and uncertainty to many. Peace will be preserved only by taking urgent measures to calm the situation and restore peace and confidence.
These days are tough for many, tragedies and terrors have mounted, and divisions are more apparent than ever in the past few years. Now, individuals and groups from each "side" believe they are more damaged and should yet retaliate. Wrong! Wrong and dangerous!
Families that experienced tragedies go through difficult trauma and pain for the murdered ones. Now we need to focus on helping them stay strong and dignified in grief. We all have to sympathize with them, calm and dignified, as befits one of sorrow and sympathy. Pain has no ethnic, religious or any affiliation. Solidarity and humanity belong to all and is shared equally by all.
We must look to the future and draw lessons from recent bloody Balkan and Macedonian history. Other Balkan countries take large and quick steps towards the European family, to progress, with open borders and without complexes.
Before us, starting today, even in the hour in which you read or hear this appeal, we face difficult and complex tasks that we must begin doing at the same moment. Some of those tasks are urgent and short, some long-term, but all need immediate action. Many tasks and projects that need to be started are not mentioned here, but we expect you to contribute.
WE APPEAL!
We appeal to all Citizens of the Republic of Macedonia:
Refrain from hate speech. It is just one step away from unimaginable tragedies.
Obey the law, public order and peace and demand that from your immediate family members.
Be active in the prevention from violence in your communities.
We appeal to parents and teachers:
Talk to children and young people, ask them to remain calm and act responsibly.
Demand from them to listen and not to risk their future and future of the whole country.
Demand from them to identify the profiteers in those who call to violence.
We appeal to the Government of the Republic of Macedonia:
Take immediate measures to put an end to hate speech and violence applying the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Macedonia, especially anti-discrimination law and sanction dissemination of national, religious and racial hatred.
Immediately begin implementing the Integrated Education Strategy. The Strategy was adopted in 2010.
Strengthen the sector of police prevention. Expand and accelerate projects to strengthen trust and cooperation between police and citizens.
Strengthen the activities, measures and projects in the field of arms control. Continue supporting projects within the civil society in the field of arms control, risk education, and overcoming gun culture.
We appeal to the Broadcasting Council of Macedonia:
Immediately sanction media that promote hate speech.
We appeal to political parties:
Issue an immediate demand - in a clear and unambiguous manner - to members and activists to contribute to calming the situation in their communities.
We appeal to editors, the Association of Journalists of Macedonia, other media and journalist associations to call upon their members/co-workers to practice accountable and impartial reporting.
We call on religious leaders to immediately stop preaches in which directly or indirectly inspire to violence.
We appeal to all organizations of civil society, regardless of their mission and statute, to take immediate actions that will contribute to calming the situation, immediately and without delay.
We appeal to all sports clubs supporter groups: STAY HOME! This situation is too serious to be dealt with the vocabulary and methods of your groups.
Peace is everyone's responsibility. Therefore, we appeal to all together and to everyone individually:
Do something for your future and the future of your child.
Support Peace in Macedonia! Today! Now!
Contacts, Civil – Center for Freedom
civil.mk@gmail.com
+389 2 520 91 76
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