UBC - The UBC Bulletin / 1-99

DEMOCRATIC AND SAFE SOCIETY

The closing conference of the Project "Local Politics and Civic Influence" also known as the Democracy Project was held in Siauliai on 10-11 December 1998. About 80 participants representing Swedish and Lithuanian UBC member cities shared their experience during six workshops.

The project also focused on the situation of women and young people and it undoubtedly contributed to the consolidation of some basic ideas of democracy in Lithuania. During the closing session, the UBC President, Mr Anders Engström, pointed out that the local authorities in Lithuania should make more efforts to increase society's interest in politics.

Another project "Fighting Against Violence in Families" involved the twin cities Siauliai and Kristianstad. Kristianstad Department of Social Affairs and Siauliai Municipal Police are the main participants of this project. The aim of the project is to prevent family violence and to assist victimized children, women and older persons.

For many years the police were oriented only to punishment of violators, but for the last several years they work in absolutely different direction. The target of utmost importance is not the punishment of violators but support and clarification of the problem. After a successful start, this vitally important project is to be continued through out the year 1999 on the international level as a part of Femina Baltica.

Further informtaion:

Ms Lina Simutke, City of Siauliai
Phone:
+370 1 43 15 33
Fax:
+370 1 42 75 75
e-mail:
lina@siauliai.sav.lt

UBC Secretariat
Dlugi Targ 24
pl-80-828 Gdansk, Poland
phone/fax +48 58 301 76 37
phone/fax +48 58 301 09 17
phone/fax +48 58 301 91 23
e-mail: info@ubc.net