During Womex 2015 in Budapest, 400 delegates express solidarity with refugees throughout Europe. A shared statement and a group photocall called on European governments to open the borders and consider migrants as a positive force to enrich societies. « World Music is a manifestation of fundamental values : hospitality, openness, cultural diversity and respect for human rights ».
To continue this dynamic, networks and delegates are working together to develop a World Music Charter based upon the internationally accepted UNESCO Convention for Cultural Diversity.
We propose a World Music Charter to promote cultural rights and to express our values against the closing of borders, restricted mobility and policies based upon fears, all over the world. Without the possibility for musicians to cross borders, such diversity in music will cease to exist.
This conference session is the place to discuss and agree collectively upon a World Music Charter and to propose actions for the future. It will take place on Thursday the 21st of October at 12.00 in Saint Jacques de Compostelle.

Speakers
- Thomas Laou-Hap, director of Zone Franche (France)
- Birgit Ellinghaus, director of alba KULTUR (Germany)
- Jody Ackland, independant music professional (Ireland)
- Percy Yip Tong, director of Cyper Produktion (Mauritius)
- Divya Bathia, artistic director of RIFF Festival (India)