Ten Commitments to Build Shared and Socially Cohesive Societies

I.            Locate responsibility to ensure the promotion of social cohesion clearly within government structure.

II.          Create opportunities for minorities and marginalized groups and communities to be consulted about their needs and their perception of the responsiveness of state and community structures to meet those needs.

III.         Ensure that social cohesion is considered in devising governance structures, policy formulation and policy implementation and establish procedures and mechanisms to ensure this is achieved and to reconcile divergent positions between sectional interests.

IV.         Ensure that the legal framework protects the rights of the individual and prohibits discrimination based on ethnic, religious, gender, or cultural difference.

V.           Take steps to deal with economic disadvantages faced by sections of society who are discriminated against, and ensure equal access to opportunities and resources.

VI.         Ensure that physical environments create opportunities for, rather than discourage, social interaction.

VII.       Ensure an education system that offers equal opportunity for developing the knowledge skills, capacities and networks necessary for children to become productive, engaged members of society and that demonstrates a commitment to a shared society and educates children to understand and respect others.

VIII.      Initiate the process to encourage the creation of a shared vision of society at local and national level.

IX.         Promote respect, understanding and appreciation of cultural, religious and ethnic diversity and support local communities in exploring their identity, sharing their experiences with other identity groups and working together with those groups on common concerns.

X.           Take steps to reduce tensions and hostility between communities and ensure members of all communities are protected from abuse, intimidation and violence.