ADVISORY COUNCIL ON YOUTH OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE

Why are we in the Advisory Council on Youth? 

One of the main aims of FEMYSO’s work is to encourage European Muslim youth to become active citizens and to engage with the European conception of citizenship. Our work in this area includes trainings, seminars, conferences, debates and publications to examine and reflect on the meaning of citizenship in a European Muslim youth context and to address obstacles to active citizenship within the different European states. Another main focus of our work is interfaith and intercultural dialogue, and we work to develop strong relations with other faiths and non-faith groups and encourage greater dialogue and understanding. Given the many debates around integration and violent radicalisation in Europe, and the pressures this can put on intercultural and interfaith relations and on young European Muslims, we believe our work is crucial in building valuable bridges between communities and encouraging ethical and active participation by Muslim youth. FEMYSO campaigns how Islamophobia is negatively impacting young people and youth identity. We listen to young people, their views on this issue and provide a unique platform for youth who are affected by racism, discrimination and Islamophobia and work on ways to counter this reality through intercultural understanding and intra- community action. Our trainings and activities focus on embedding positive ethics of active citizenship, social harmony and respect for human rights, equality and justice within all youth. We believe the diversity of Europe is its strength, and we all work together to build a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Europe for all. Since the CoE has shaped the modern discourse of rights and is pioneering in protecting human rights and active youth participation, the ACoY provides a perfect opportunity to work with the Council of Europe to realise these values in the lives of every single Young person in CoE countries, regardless of their race, faith or any other background. 

Who are FEMYSO’s representatives in the ACoY? 

FEMYSO’s representatives, just like most of its ExCo members and volunteers, have always passionately engaged in working with young people and developing their potential. We believe that youth voice is crucial in policymaking: young people more often have new and constructive solutions to contribute. In the Advisory Council, we can voice the concerns of youth in a constructive manner and put forward positive, workable solutions to real problems – which we have done throughout our engagement with young people, and especially young European Muslims. Our representatives always have both the grassroots knowledge and expertise to represent European youth and their concerns. Moreover, they have positive, constructive attitude to the various challenges we have and are highly motivated to construct innovative means of addressing them. They also have an awareness of youth issues across Europe and believe in the values of the Council of Europe and the work it has pioneered.  

FEMYSO’s experience in the Council of Europe’s youth sector priorities: