The city commitment to the intercultural approach is demonstrated through the adoption of public statements, such as the institutional declaration “Sabadell free of racism, xenophobia and homophobia” (January 2014); the approval of the mayor’s office proposal to encourage awareness policies in favour of living together and to dismantle rumours against diversity (December 2014). More recently, the regional government board declared Sabadell a city free of fascism and racism and in favour of living together in diversity (February 2019)[1].
Sabadell also makes clear reference to its commitment in its Mandate Plan, which is not specifically an Intercultural Strategy, but includes managing diversity and interculturalism as specific objectives. For the period 2016-2019, the Plan recognises social cohesion as a priority in all policies affecting citizens’ lives. More precisely, within the section 1.5 on Civil Rights, the following specific objectives are set: a) communicating, training, offering tools and organising actions to promote equality of all people living in Sabadell; b) guaranteeing the reception process of newcomers; and c) Managing diversity and interculturalism in a transformative way.
“To contribute at the empowerment of citizens from an intercultural perspective, based at the creation of ties and the mutual knowledge and respect.
To maintain a radical position against hate speeches and of discrimination working together with the Commission of the Coexistence, furthering the antirumours network and awareness raising actions and training. The Commission will be an instrument of follow-up and direct intervention at the cases of assaults or discrimination on the grounds of xenophobia, racism and/or homophobia.
To manage the diversity of beliefs and convictions in a fair and inclusive way, following the principle of laicism.
To keep the Bureau of Civil Rights as a reference office for information, orientation and advice, reception and accompaniment for the defence of human rights”.
Every year a Municipal Action Plan[2] is drawn up breaking down the objectives established in the Mandate Plan in actions that can be adjusted from year to year. Likewise, this plan establishes the timing of the actions and monitors their implementation. In addition, the city has allocated a budget for the implementation of its Mandate Plan, meaning that all the objectives have an allocated budget[3] linked to its implementation.
The Department of Civil Rights and Gender has a dedicated website and with 2 clicks, anyone could access the Diversity and Intercultural information. The website contains information on the Antirumours Network, Beliefs and Convictions, the Civil Rights Bureau and Historical Memory.
As for the official communications, quite often they refer to the city’s intercultural commitment. Some examples of these communications are: “Sabadell is diversity and integration. Its plurality is one of the values to be preserved as a sign of identity”[4]; “Mescla’t 2018 vindicates the values of diversity and coexistence against any type of discrimination”[5]; “Under the slogan ‘Defend ourselves, we have the right. Respect me, you have the obligation’ Sabadell presents its Human Rights Programme”[6].
Finally, citizens who have done an exceptional thing to encourage intercultural values in the local community are acknowledged.
[1] More information: https://www.isabadell.cat/sabadell/societat/els-portaveus-ratifiquen-sabadell-com-a-ciutat-lliure-de-feixisme/
[2] Information on the execution of Plan 2018 can be consulted here: http://ca.sabadell.cat/pdf/PAM_2018_execucio.pdf
[3] The Budget can be accessed here: https://seu.sabadell.cat/seuelectronica/p/DadesPres18_cat.asp. The total budget for the Programme ‘Civil Rights and Citizenship’ is € 3,068,573, out of which € 269,024 are allocated to Diversity and Interculturality and € 420,472 to New citizens and Reception
[4] Access the new here: http://www.sabadell.cat/ca/?option=com_content&view=article&id=109554&Itemid=976&search=associacions
[5] Access the new here: http://www.sabadell.cat/ca/?option=com_content&view=article&id=117192&Itemid=2718
[6] Access the new here: http://www.sabadell.cat/ca/programa-de-drets-humans-2018
