Mada Centre in partnership with the Cordoba Foundation of Geneva

28 April 2018 – Casablanca, Morocco

A conference was organised by the Mada Centre in partnership with the Cordoba Foundation of Geneva under the title “ The limits of the relationship between politics and religion in the civil state ” in Casablanca, Morocco.

The event was held to launch the Civic Space Charter, a document developed jointly by various actors from different ideological camps to promote a shared space for joint action for an inclusive and participatory society. The text can be found below.

Civic Space Charter

Casablanca, 5 January 2017

Preamble

In meetings held by Moroccan intellectuals and academics as part of a partnership programme between the Cordoba Foundation of Geneva and the MADA Centre, and drawing on the outcomes of a number of discussion forums, participants agreed on the importance of addressing, urgently and seriously, divergent public positions on questions of belief, conscience, identity, culture and social and political change; and of establishing agreed rules based on freedom of conscience and opinion, open and constructive dialogue between equals, and recognition of the other in all its components, relying in this endeavour on constructive and frank criticism, in order to take a position on a number of questions – especially those that hinder progress in promoting living together – and to prevent the situations of deadlock and violence that have become commonplace in the region.

Identity

The “mediation space” brings together cultural and civic figures, each with their own qualities, who seek to promote a culture of dialogue, the values of mutual respect and cooperation to consolidate social peace. The space seeks to put its values into practice through practical initiatives on the ground that combine intellectual effort with a positive, tangible impact on the reality of Moroccan society.

Purpose

To spread the values of a civic culture based on human participation through cooperation to consolidate social peace, and to enshrine the values of understanding and coexistence among all actors in Morocco.

Objectives

1. To build a common understanding of current issues by organising events on the ground that involve, in their implementation, protagonists from different intellectual backgrounds.
2. To discuss the current issues facing Moroccan society and to enshrine a culture of dialogue and mutual recognition within it.
3. To open direct dialogues with the actors concerned (women’s movements, cultural associations, young people, students, trade unions and political organisations, etc.) on subjects of public debate or that require greater clarity and mutual understanding.
4. To strengthen members’ capacities in conflict transformation through workshops and thematic training.