Call For Participants: “Outspoken” Advocacy Study Session

It is time for us to present you, Outspoken, our upcoming Advocacy Study Session in partnership with the European Youth Center Strasbourg of the Council of Europe!

This year’s edition will be focusing on Advocacy and Youth Participation. We aim to equip our participants with the knowledge and skills to understand institutional dynamics as well as tools to provoke global positive change.

Places are limited so apply today and tell others to join! 

Details

  • When: 2nd – 7th March, 2020
  • Where: European Youth Centre, Strasbourg
  • Cost: €50 participation fee – All travel, accommodation and food costs are covered
  • Application Deadline: 3rd January 2020

Applicant profile 

  • Be between the age of 18 – 30 years old. 
  • Be able to actively participate in a vibrant team.
  • From a Council of Europe member state.
  • Be able to attend the whole duration of the session between the 2nd and 7th of March 2020.
  • Have some experience of voluntary work
  • Be motivated to provoke change! 

Objectives 

  • Learn about European Institutions and stakeholder
  • Build skills to be able to advocate within the participants respective contexts
  • Meet inspirational individuals and feel empowered
  • Familiarise with the work of the Council of Europe
  • Build a strong network of like minded Young European Muslims
  • Start and develop advocacy projects to carry on after the Study Session

If you are interested, fill in this form ASAP by submitting both written and video contributions requested. 

For any questions, please email studysession@femyso.org

FEMYSO attends the 6th CEC Summer School on Human Rights

The 6th CEC Summer School on Human Rights was held  in Lisbon, in collaboration with the Portuguese Council of Christian Churches and United Nations, where the topic of  “Freedom of Expression and Populism” was addressed extensively. 

The program was designed to offer innovative perspectives to combat populist ideas in the public sphere and create solidarity among churches, religious communities, and academics, in Europe. The participants who came from different national, ethnic, and religious backgrounds were given an opportunity to study together and receive interdisciplinary training on freedom of expression, hate speech, hate crime and how to prevent incitement to hatred in religious contexts.

FEMYSO welcomes inter-faith and inter-cultural action oriented approaches and looks forward to further cooperation opportunities with the many organisations which were present at the Summer School.

This is a glimpse from last year’s CEC Summer School on Human Rights which took place in Malaga, Spain.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4LPy-uiwD4

“Why should I vote ?”

When it comes to elections, we often wonder why we should vote, to what extent a piece of paper will have an impact in this big matrix. At the European level, the answers to those questions seem more blurred. With the European Elections coming up, here are five reasons why you should vote on May 23-26! 

1° To build your future 

If your country is a part of the European Union, then all decisions taken by the European Parliament will have a direct impact on your daily life. Therefore, we better have an idea of what we want and do not want so that we can build the future we imagine and to do so, voting is the key. We are part of this incredible organization that is the European Union. We can go where ever we want, we can study abroad and we are united by common values. So let us shape the Europe that we want!

2° To have a voice 

We know that representation matters and when it comes to building our future, we should pay attention who we are voting for, which party is going to highlight our issues and make our voice heard when it comes to voting to laws and directives. How can we be part of the future of Europe if no one will represent us?  Being heard is crucial and can sometimes be hard, but when we vote, we participate in a common project of building the Europe that we want. In this way, we have the chance to be listened and we have the duty to use this chance properly. 

3°Fight discriminations and hate speech

When we see that the Christchurch terrorist was strongly influenced by visiting Europe, we can seriously question the European roots of this massacre and the spread of hate speech in Europe. Hate speech represents one of the biggest threats to our unity and social cohesion. Letting hate speech promoters take on the European Parliament is failing ourselves and failing all victims of hate speech across the world. We need to work altogether against this common enemy before it becomes so powerful that it can destroy the Europe that we love. 

4° We are the Youth

All revolutions and big changes in history started with the youth: we are the youth that represent the Europe of tomorrow and it is only with our commitment that we can create a more diverse and inclusive Europe. When we are young, we often pay attention to the politics inside our country more than the European policies even if we know that those European policies have a strong impact on our country. Therefore, we should take part in the discussions and be represented at European level. This is why this time we are voting.

5° Our planet needs us

Climate change is a serious, concrete and factual challenge that the entire world has to face. We only have one planet and it is only at continental and global level that we may take concrete actions to restrain and then remove the use of fossil energies, deforestation, plastic, food waste, the use of harmful pesticides and this cannot be done if we do not vote for the right people. 

#MyVoteMyChoice 

#ThisTimeImVoting 

about the author | Hassiba KECHICHE

Hassiba Kechiche is a Masters’ degree student in International Management in Lille, France. Hassiba was Board Member of Etudiants Musulmans de France and is currently the Head of Media at the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO).

“We are the young European Muslims mobilising for the European Elections”

The European Elections are taking place soon. Various civil society organisations are mobilising to encourage citizens to vote. Muslim youth are part of the movement.

The years in between the last European elections in 2014 and the next ones in May 2019 have been marked by unprecedented concerning changes in our societies. Young European Muslims are aware of these developments affecting our lives. Indeed, we have become more conscious of the intensity of political influence and public speech.

Not a day passes by without Islamophobic rhetoric from politicians, public figures and media outlets, which include hate speech similar to the rhetoric that inspired the Christchurch terrorist. Not a month passes by without an Islamophobic law is passed that clearly targets and attacks Muslims, such as the most recent headscarf bans in Austria and France.

Factors such as historical repetition and reaping the fruits of past injustices, continuing rise of right-wing extremists, and a growing attack on Islam and Muslims within a normalized legal, political and public framework are the main causes to a stronger consciousness and awareness. Most importantly, an understanding of the European project as a guarantee to protect our lives as human beings with a non-white background.

FEMYSO has been both capitalising and co-creating that understanding. With our network of 31 Member Organisations from 23 European countries, we have been able to consult with grassroots Muslim youth and students’ organisations on their perceptions of the European Union, and to motivate them to take part in the European elections with the purpose of having our own say.

We need to make use of our democratic rights and to mobilise ourselves, because the EU is the only guarantee to protect our fundamental rights in face of governments and political parties whose main aim is to violate our rights and reduce our presence in Europe.

That is why we need to act: to vote, spread the word, and empower our fellow young Muslims.

We need to better protect our rights as EU citizens: our generation consists of second- and third-generation Muslims with a migrant background born in EU countries with citizenships of EU Member States. By virtue of this citizenship, we have the same fundamental rights as any other citizen. No one can be discriminated based on language, religion or ethnicity. We are all equal under the Treaty on the (Functioning of the) European Union, Charter of Fundamental Rights and various international conventions.

The EU is the sole protector of equality of everyone. In face of growing Islamophobic governments and politicians, we need to better know our rights. While combating racism and discrimination is mainly a competence of the Member States, the EU still has institutions to scrutinise the Member States’ adherence to protecting citizens’ rights. We have to educate ourselves about these processes in order to better protect ourselves.

No one has any right to force ourselves to change our identities or religion. No one is allowed to instil fear in us by virtue of our adherence to the world’s second largest religion. I am a Muslim and I am proud to be so. I have the right under the Treaties to freely live my religion. I should not have to fight to enjoy my constitutionally guaranteed rights. I should not be afraid to walk on the street with my headscarf, nor to take an active role in society.

We young European Muslims are not identified by our religion only. We are molecular biologists, doctors, physicians, political scientists, engineers, psychologists. We are diverse, bright, we are fun to hang out with. We are so rich in our cultural and intellectual heritage consisting of the best of not only two worlds, but two worlds + the European Union, that we burst with impressive analyses, opinions, cultural knowledge and experiences. We are the embodiment of the artificially divided “East (Muslim, Turkish, Moroccan etc.) and West (German, Dutch, French etc.)” Yet we are also the embodiment of the Erasmus generation: the young Europeans knowing no borders, travelling to different EU Member States every few months, studying abroad and sometimes having more friends abroad than in our home country.

We are stronger defenders of the European Union than those who attack us and claim that we do not belong in Europe. We are more highly educated, we are more open-minded, we are better skilled and have higher cultural capital than them. We know how to navigate between different worlds, to bring people together, to work for cohesive societies. We are here to work harder for a united, cohesive and vibrant Europe than the mainstream. We are the young European Muslims of the 21stcentury.

about the author | Hande TANER

Hande Taner is a Dutch dual degree Master’s student in European Affairs between Sciences Po Paris and the London School of Economics. She is also the Head of Campaigns at the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO), Europe’s largest umbrella body of Muslim youth and student organisations. She is currently leading FEMYSO’s European Elections campaign.

FEMYSO participated in the Second Summit on Religion, Peace and Security in Geneva

FEMYSO participated in the Second Summit on Religion, Peace and Security, heldat Palais des Nations Unies, United Nations in Geneva, from the 29th April to 1stof May 2019.

The core theme of the summit was building bridges, fostering inclusivity andcountering hate speech to enhance the protection of religious minorities,refugees and migrants. The summit was co-organised by the United NationsOffice on Genocide Prevention and Responsibility to Protect (1) and theInternational Association for the Defense of Religious Liberty (AIDLR)(2). Thisthree day summit brought together religious leaders, academics, youth, memberstates and others to tackle these core themes that are affecting the very core ofour societies.

The rise of atrocity crimes and violent extremism has been manifested in everypart of society over the past few decades. The misuse of religion to justify suchacts has been the reason for the rise and expansion of intolerance, hate speechand nationalist movements worldwide. Over the past two months, we havewitnessed Synagogues, Churches and Mosques becoming targets of those claiming to be either from far right ideologies or in the name of religion. The media has also played a huge role in inflating fake news and drawing ourattention away from the core issues, and targeting the most vulnerable.

Simultaneously, national and international peace and security has been on the agenda of many member states since before WW1. In the most recent years, there has been increased disputes over the introduction of new measures worldwide to tackle and combat challenges around peace and security. However, in several cases this has led to the limitation of fundamental rights and freedoms, including the rights to freedom of religion and belief and freedom of expression and opinion. This is why, it is of utmost importance for different actors to work together to protect fundamental rights. Member states must show their obligation in protecting these very rights set out by the UN Human Rights Charter and adhere to the very rights they signed up for.

For this purpose, AIDLR(2) and the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect convened a Second Global Summit. Bringing together representatives to discuss ways to enhance the protection and promote human rights of religious minorities, refugees and migrants by building bridges, countering discrimination and hate speech and fostering inclusivity.

This was carried out by analysing challenges and opportunities, highlighting knowledge, lessons learned and good practices in this field of inclusivity and bridges building. While including and discussing how the ‘dialogue five’stakeholders (religious leaders and actors, states diplomats, civil society, politicians, media and business) can effectively work together and complement each other’s work in this regard. Moreover, the Summit was an opportunity to share information, experiences, expertise and best practices on promoting peace and respect for a cohesive society.

FEMYSO, a European umbrella organisation representing 31 member organisations, over 23 European countries presented young European Muslims at this summit. Our Board of Trustee, Hajar Al-Kaddo, as a panelist shared insight son the political, human rights and humanitarian challenges for the protection of religious minorities, refugees and migrants. As well as the importance of youth involvement in facing these challenges, emphasising the need for promoting interfaith dialogue worldwide.

For over 20 years, FEMYSO has been promoting and actively working on interfaith action and cohesion within European society. During the panel FEMYSO also shared lessons learnt from some of these actions, and showcased our latest campaign on bringing Muslim youth to the forefront of European Society through their right to vote at the next European Elections this year (3). Such actions are carried out to build better foundations for productive and respectful understanding within society.

There was a clear message sent to all present at the summit, that young people must be at the forefront of making positive change, and bridging the gap between religious leadership, politicians and civil society. FEMYSO will continue to work towards bridging this gap to protect freedom of religion and belief and freedom of expression and opinion for all. The final outcome of the summit was the drafting of a Plan of Action to reach aset of objectives based on participants inputs and discussions. We look forward to the implementation of this plan as part of a collaborative international effort with young people at the very front.

(1) https://www.un.org/en/genocideprevention/

(2) https://www.aidlr.org/

3) https://femyso.org/yourvoteyourvoice/

Reclaim Your Narrative Study Session held in Budapest

We have concluded #ReclaimYourNarrative Study Session, an event organised by FEMYSO in cooperation with the Council of Europe and held at the European Youth Center Budapest (EYCB).

The event was attended by 38 participants from 16 European countries who participated in an intense and productive 5-day program. A study session aimed at empowering young Muslims and taking part in the media in order to reclaim the narrative and make their voices heard.

The participants had the opportunity to discuss ideas through shared experience across the European landscape, to educate them on exercising their human rights, the relevant work and instruments of the Council of Europe, to explore the importance of narratives and the role they play and their impact, to develop capacity to shape their narratives allowing them to represent themselves and their communities on multiple levels and to receive theoretical and practical skills necessary to push the narrative within their own context.

The end of the Media Study Session witnessed the realisation of different campaigns on issues with the aim to raise awareness among Europe.

Reclaim Your Narrative, don’t let others define it for you!

Call For Participants: “Reclaim Your Narrative” Media Study Session

FEMYSO in partnership with the European Youth Center Budapest of the Council of Europe are pleased to announce that applications for #ReclaimYourNarrative Media Study Session are now open!

This study session aims to empower you with the knowledge to critically examine current narratives about Muslims in Europe while providing you with the tools and resources to help reclaim your narrative.

When: 4th – 8th March, 2019
Where: European Youth Centre, Budapest

Cost: All Expenses Covered, €50
Ernrollment fee Deadline: 31st December 2018

Programme

The study session is based on the methodology of non-formal education. The 5-days programme will include:

  • Understanding narratives and their impact
  • How to come up with your own media plan
  • Producing your own creative project
  • Training on how to produce effective blogs, vlogs and podcasts
  • Insights from prominent influencers and experts in the field
  • Understanding Human Rights and the work of European Institutions

Participant profile

  • Be between the age of 18 – 30 years old.
  • Be able to actively participate in a vibrant team.
  • From a Council of Europe member state.
  • Be able to attend the whole duration of the session between the 4th and 8th of March.
  • Have experience of voluntary work
  • Have the initiative and determination to contribute towards changing and reclaiming the narrative.

This is a unique and exciting opportunity that will equip you with the theoretical and practical skills necessary to push the narrative on the issues affecting you and your community

Interested?

Complete the application form now

Spaces are limited, register today.

Please Note: As part of this application we require applicants to submit a piece of creative content which puts across their understanding of the current narratives that impact young Muslims in their local community or country. These submissions can be in any format, the key element is that it needs to be original and as interesting as possible.

Whether it be a short video, a poem, a podcast or any other creative piece of content. This is an opportunity for you to put across your narrative on your own terms.
  
All pieces should be sent to studysession@femyso.org – mentioning your name in the subject line of the email. 

Submission Guidelines:
Videos must be limited to 2 mins. Please submit via a WeTransfer Link to studysession@femyso.org
Written Submissions must be limited to 400 words 
Audio Submissions must limited to 5 mins. Please submit via a WeTransfer Link to studysession@femyso.org

Deadline for applications: Monday 31st December 2018, 23:59 (CET).

Costs

Expenses include travel, accommodation, and food are all covered by the project. Travel reimbursements will be made after the project (please note nominal €50 of participation fee will be deducted from your travel reimbursement). If you are selected and in case you are not able to book your own ticket, please contact us so we may look into the possibility of pre-booking your ticket. Please note that FEMYSO cannot re-book any lost flight.

For any questions, please email: studysession@femyso.org

We are looking forward to receiving your applications!

CDDH: Protection and promotion of the civil society space in Europe

FEMYSO participated to a workshop at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg entitled *Protection and promotion of the civil society space in Europe*, organized by the CDDH during their 90th meeting under the aegis of the Finnish Presidency of Committee of ministers.

During this meeting, the new recommendation adopted by the Committee of Ministers (Council of Europe) on the 28th of November 2018 was presented in front of Council of Europe Member states representatives, human rights NGOs and other independent human rights activists. An overview of the work and researches done to establish and write this text were presented during a panel.

The creation of such recommendation is currently necessary as there are considerable and increasing number of allegations and reports of threats of a serious nature, risks and dangers faced by human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders online and offline. The restrictions are manifested through restrictive laws, regulations and policies. Moreover, a more restrictive approach to freedoms of association, peaceful assembly and expression is noticed. Physical and verbal attacks, threats against human rights defenders, women, migrants and minorities became common in civil society space. For these reasons, there is an urgent need of a tool to strengthen the protection and promotion of the civil society space in Europe.

The next step of the work will be the translation of the text into the different Council of Europe member states languages then addressed to the different governments to use it to ensure a safe environment for civil society.

ENAR and IHRC: Counter-Islamophobia toolkit on France launch

FEMYSO among other organizations had the privilege to attend the Counter-Islamophobia toolkit on France launch, in Brussels, Belgium. This event was organized by the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) and the European Network Against Racism (ENAR).

This toolkit is a review of dominant anti-Muslim narratives and compares counter-narratives in eight EU members states of France, Germany, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Portugal, Greece, and the UK. For now, France’s toolkit has been the first launched, the other countries’ kit will be very soon.
It identifies and postulates narratives, arguments, strategies and actions that will be able to directly counter Islamophobia and set guidelines on best practice aimed at countering this form of racism. It calls for policymakers, governments and educational institutions to play an active role to tackle the issue and strengthen legal procedures on this issue.
To give some insights of what was presented, here are the five recommendations argumented in the Key National Messages Report :
1) Dissociate Islam from terrorism in the political discourse
2) Encourage media to adopt a more nuanced approach to Islam-related issues
3) Increase social involvement of Muslim women
4) Reframe the public debate on integration
5) Acknowledge discrimination against Muslims

For more details about the project, please check: https://cik.leeds.ac.uk/

The European Green Up Challenge Grant

Today it is vital that young people have opportunities to reflect and act upon sustainability in all its forms. For sure, future generations will increasingly be bombarded by the consequences of climate change and climate related issues. They can widely be witnessed throughout Europe, being it climate deterioration, extreme weather changes and patterns, and many problems associated with climate migration. It is high time that young people have better understanding of issues related to climate change and take the lead in both adopting more sustainable lifestyles and creating solutions to combat long term environmental issues and challenges.

The European Green Up Challenge is a 4 day training session for 10 to 15 participants from FEMYSO’s Member Organizations. This project is part of the 2018-2020 Green Up campaign of FEMYSO. This campaign will look to achieve results in line with the European Union’s climate goals through empowering the youth to bring positive environmental change both in their localities and at a European level.

This training aims to develop synergy and have a multiplying effect, on local, regional, national and/or European level. It’s related to environmental problems and concerns of youth, and seeks to involve and empower them to effectively engage in solution oriented environmental actions of sustainable works.

The goal of this project is to provide the essential keys to tomorrow’s players, so that they take the lead in green projects at different levels; local, national and European, following the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) of the Council of Europe for a more cohesive and effective work.

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