FEMYSO representative participated in OSCE Conference on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination

FEMYSO had the pleasure of attending on 22 October in Rome, Italy the OSCE – The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe “Conference on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination, with a Focus on Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief: Towards a Comprehensive Response in the OSCE Region.”

Government officials and representatives of civil society and religious communities discussed good practices for addressing racism, xenophobia and other forms of discrimination, including on the basis of gender, and for countering anti-Semitism and intolerance against Muslims, Christians and members of other religions.

Hande Taner, our Head of Campaigns, delivered an insightful speech on the importance of cultivating inclusivity in the educational system: schools and universities should be the main place to teach respect for diversity and also protect students against any type of racism and discrimination.

Sumaya Abdel Qader, former board of trustees member of #FEMYSO and currently Vice President of the Commission for Culture, Fashion and Design, Municipal Council of Milan, delivered a key speech during a panel of addressing the role of communication, media and social media in addressing the increasing manifestations of discrimination and intolerance.

Check out the following link.

 

FEMYSO representative spech:

Honourable delegates, honourable ambassadors,

Good afternoon everybody.

INTRODUCTION
I would first like to thank ODIHR and the Italian Chairmanship for having invited me on behalf of FEMYSO, the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Students Organisations, to be part of this panel. We believe that it is essential to have a youth perspective as part of civil society when discussing the role of educational programmes as a means to address negative stereotyping and stigmatization and promote mutual respect and understanding. My organisation is a forum of Muslim youth and students’ organisations from over twenty European countries. Thus, my approach will be from a European Muslim youth perspective. This perspective is crucial because the niche of youth and discrimination is something that is not focussed on often, and because of the continuing rise in Islamophobia.
First, allow me to explain that my approach to education will be two-fold: formal, and non-formal education. The first relates to official educational institutions, such as schools and universities, and the other relates to education in its broader sense that falls outside of the scope of formal education: e.g. youth organisations, which I will be specifically focussing on. Based on the expertise of FEMYSO given our work with European Muslim youth, we can conclude that there are both serious problems that need to be tackled, but there is also a lot of space to cultivate inclusive education with a safe environment for all. I would like to emphasise that FEMYSO has worked before with the OSCE, the Council of Europe and UNESCO to draft Guidelines for Educators on Countering Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims.

CURRENT CONTEXT
The current context of our societies is that Islamophobia is constantly growing. This phenomenon is supported by research and statistics, such as those conducted by the EU’s Fundamental Rights Agency, the annual European Islamophobia report, but also the work done by ODIHR. I will not focus on such research, as this is not the purpose of this panel.
However, important to underline is that despite the given rise in Islamophobia, there is stillno coherent policy response to Islamophobia. As a result, this policy vacuum is used by racist groups to reorient their hatred towards Muslims, which is especially felt in the field of education by pupils, students and teachers. Islamophobia has become the acceptable face of racism.
Absence of detailed research on the experience of Muslim students in education has significantly affected the abuse of this policy vacuum. While there are many good practices in for example the United Kingdom and Canada when it comes to broken down data collection of religious discrimination, this is not the case in many OSCE Participating States. Collecting statistics on Islamophobia is key for the successful formulation, adoption and implementation of effective policies. It is key in order for governments to build cohesive, resilient and more peaceful societies.

FORMAL EDUCATION
Children and students spend a lot of time in educational institutions. This is where you form the way you think, your attitude and interaction with others. It is the main place to teach respect for diversity.Schools and universities thus have an obligation and responsibility to ensure this. Because the way in which schools deal with diversity sends a very strong message to the child, their family and wider society about the value society places on diversity.
First, schools and universities must ensure that they have effective policies against all forms of racism. They first need to acknowledge the fact that discrimination takes many forms, amongst which religious discrimination, and Islamophobia is the type that is rising the most, because it has become acceptable, a norm. Islamophobia must be reported as a specific form of discrimination and mentioned as a separate category in anti-discrimination policies. Thus, when students approach teachers to tell them they have been bullied or victimised due to their religious affiliation, teachers should not refrain from taking action or not recognising the pupil’s experience as discrimination, for the reason that it does not fit within the anti-discrimination framework in place.
Formal educational institutions must also ensure that there are safe spaces where students can freely enjoy their right to freedom of religion or belief. While this is very common in my home country, The Netherlands, and in countries such as the United Kingdom, this is unfortunately not the case everywhere in Europe, and I can tell from experience as a student in France. State values such as laicity should not violate fundamental human rights. And in the case of existing contemplation rooms, these should not be closed down.

Third, the content of educational programmes should be closely monitored in light of non-discrimination. It is crucial that young people are taught about other cultures and civilisations, and about the interdependence of these cultures and civilisations. Without this, young people will not be adequately equipped to contextualise their own place in the world or to deal with the reality and effects of globalisation. Current teaching does not adequately educate young people about the interconnections in history. This can lead to a very narrow and myopic understanding of our place in the world and in our societies. As a result, lack of representative history leads to justifying negative stereotyping and discrimination. In addition to history, there should be a move away from linking terrorism to religion when teaching about the former.

Fourth, the experience of Muslim students is severely affected by anti-terrorism laws.
A research funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the Economic and Social Research Council in the UK which was based on a national survey of more than 2,000 students at UK universities, concludes that Muslim students feel ‘under suspicion’ on UK campuses and it finds that many Muslim students are self-censoring and disengaging themselves from UK campus life. The nature of distrust and insecurity amongst students based on mass surveillance is a severe problem, and should be a serious concern for all OSCE Participating States. However, due to a lack of research beyond the UK on the experience of Muslim students, governments are not aware of the actual experience of religious minorities on campuses, and therefore do not know what to do.

NON-FORMAL EDUCATION
Educational programmes outside school and universities are equally crucial in combating discrimination and intolerance. Youth organisations, such as scouts, FEMYSO, EYP (European Youth Parliament) have a large role in teaching diversity, tolerance and empathy to young people. These programmes are important to develop safe spaces.
In a recent study of the FRA, the EU MIDIS II report, it is shown that when people with a faith background get in a single faith organisation that promotes civic activism, they increase their participation in society, they are more tolerant and have more trust in public institutions. Because of this involvement, through creating spaces in which people feel comfortable and in which they can develop their identity, young people are made better citizens with more social skills, including combatting discrimination and intolerance.
Governments should thus pay as much attention and give as much care to non-formal educational programs as to formal ones.

CONCLUSION
FEMYSO itself has various good practices. Our work with OSCE/ODIHR in drafting the guideline for educators is one example. Our campaigns such as ADVISE (Advocating Against Islamophobia in Education) and IMAN (Islamophobia Monitoring & Action Network) and the active participation in the Council of Europe’s All Different – All Equal Campaign and No Hate Speech Movement are successful examples of the role of non-formal education in tackling discrimination.
However, there is an urgent need for political, social and pedagogical responses to Islamophobia in both formal and non-formal educational programmes. The education system produces future leaders, policy makers, while also hosting current active citizens. It plays a vital role in shaping our views towards others in our societies.
This is why FEMYSO calls upon OSCE Participating States to:
1. Start broken-down data collection of discrimination, including Islamophobia as a specific form of racism;
2. To conduct research on the experience of Muslim students in educational institutions;
3. To diminish the disproportionate impact of anti-terror measures on surveillance of children and students with the example of PREVENT in the UK;
4. And to include young Muslim students in their policymaking processes instead of speaking on behalf of them.

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FEMYSO General Assembly 2018 held in Sarajevo

This September from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th, young Muslim leaders from across Europe gathered for our 22nd General Assembly, which took place in the great city of Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and brought together 22 European Muslim youth organisations.

This annual gathering took place with the presence of 18 Member Organisations and 4 Observer Organisations, where delegates were able to hold the current board to account, review the mandate of each elected officer, and prepare for the future ahead of the elections in 2019.

This year’s GA consisted of sessions varying from training and development workshops, to roundtable discussions. In true FEMYSO style, we carry our objectives in ensuring that our sessions facilitate networking between organisations, including awkward ice breakers. We also were presented with some key FEMYSO campaigns launching in 2019; the FEMYSO Travel Project, the Green Up campaign, the Brussels Roundtables and the European Parliament Elections Campaign.

There was also the return of the European Muslim Youth awards, for a second year running, dedicated awards honouring the achievements of Young Muslims, and Young Muslim Organisations. FEMYSO would like to congratulate NUMU, MSF, EMF, SUM, FOSIS, MSA Nederland, Ardhmëria and the one and only Iaad Ben Dhia for their awards in the different categories!

As we were in the great city of Sarajevo, it was only befitting to us to organise a trip down memory lane. Bosnia & Herzegovina is a country not unknown to war and conflict. In fact, fingerprints, bullet holes and areas of shelling can still be marked out when walking through the streets of Sarajevo, from the Bosnian war that took place in the nineties.
During this war, a catastrophic event had occurred. A moment where humanity at large had failed to look after its international community. In July 1995, UNPROFOR’s 370 Dutchbat soldiers failed to prevent the town of Srebrenica from being captured by Serbian forces. What resulted was a genocide, the murder of 8732 Muslim men. As part of this year’s General Assembly, FEMYSO organised a trip to the Srebrenica memorial centre, where we had the chance to meet with survivors of the war, and getting to know what happened more than fifteen years ago. The International Court of Justice in 2007 recognized genocide in Srebrenica.

While in Bosnia, we also had the honour to meet the President, Mr Bakir Izetbegović at the presidency building in Sarajevo. We had a very productive and insightful discussion about the role of the youth in Bosnia and the Balkans region in general and also, about the role of FEMYSO in bridging between the East and the West, as well as upcoming projects we are currently working on to deliver next year for the Youth in the Balkans.

The conclusion of GA22 was on the sentiment of strength, unity, and proactivism. This year was an amazing year for all of our Member Organisations, as well as for FEMYSO. We hope to carry that on to next year, achieve more, and look forward to another excited General Assembly next year.

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FREE Interrail pass for every EU 18 year old!

After a year of bad news for the EU, Euroventure was pleased to finally see some positive news: The European parliament is proposing to give every 18-year-old a free interrail pass!

This weekend the European commission announced they’ll soon be launching their first trial. This summer, over 20 thousand Interrail Tickets will be winging their way to selected 18 year olds accross Europe!

**UPDATE!**

This week it has been announced that the EU will set aside 12 Million euros to start the scheme this summer!

Applications for the 1st set of 15,000 tickets will take place between the 12th and the 26th June. This batch of applications will be open to teenagers from the EU who will be 18 on or by the 1st July (I.e who have 18th birthdays from 2nd July 2017 and 1st July 2018). If you don’t match these requirements, unfortunately you won’t be eligable this time, but keep checking for future batches of applications.

Around 1900 of these tickets are for British applicants, with similar numbers for France and Germany, and 140 for Irish applicants.

More on:

I’ll be 18 then! How do I apply?

FEMYSO participated in the 20th year anniversary General Assembly of ENAR

FEMYSO participated in the 20th year anniversary General Assembly of European Network Against Racism – ENAR taking place in the city of Lisbon, Portugal.

The programme was started with a guided tour on the slave trade history of the city, followed by a two-day conference in which workshops, a conversation with Renni Eddo-Lodge (author of Why I’m no Longer Talking to White People about Race), various activities and a statutory session were held. Our Head of Campaigns, Hande Taner, took part in the workshops on racial DNA profiling and on anti-gypsism, and on combating islamophobia within ENAR’s network.

We congratulate ENAR with their achievements and their 20th year anniversary and we wish a successful term for the two new board members!

https://www.facebook.com/femyso.org/posts/1909591305751771

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EYE 2018: Young European Muslims at the European Parliament in Strasbourg

Delegation of 50 young European Muslims had acitivites at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The delegation engaged in discussions and debates concerning Europe, and made sure the voice of European Muslim youth was represented throughout.

The delegation was a collaboration between FEMYSO and Etudiants Musulmans de France this year. We hope to see more youth engaged at such events so keep an eye on our social media for future opportunities.

Working for a Diverse, Cohesive and Vibrant Europe.

https://www.facebook.com/femyso.org/videos/1906777732699795/

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Apply for European Youth Event 1-2 June 2018

Feel concerned about what’s going on in Europe? Want to speak up and let your bright ideas shine through? Then prepare yourself: the EYE18 is coming in Strasbourg and you’ll surely like it!

Sounds great, right? But…what is the EYE by the way?

  • EYE stands for European Youth Event
  • It is a political youth-led event that takes place at the European Parliament in Strasbourg gathering more than 8,000 young Europeans.
  • It combines high-level political debates, thematic workshops, educational activities, cultural animations and live music into a unique political and festive mix creating a unique, fun and meaningful experience of participation
  • It aims to put youth issues at the forefront of the political debate, engaging with young people and demonstrating the positive contribution they make to society.

Now that you know what it’s all about, it’s time to join in! 😉

50 people will have the chance to take part in this incredible weekend with the FEMYSO-EMF delegation! To apply you must be:

  • Willing to be a positive contribution to Europe
  • Currently or formerly involved in a youth organisation
  • Between 16 and 30 years old
  • From any European country
  • Available on the 1st and 2nd of June 2018 and willing to travel to Strasbourg
  • Interested by European issues
  • Preferably outspoken (you’re not afraid to say what you think!)
  • Able to speak English

Now is YOUR chance to live a once in a lifetime experience at a European institution. To apply, please fill in this form before December 31st. For any question, please send us an email at hiba.latreche@gmail.com.

To know more about the EYE and the program, please visit the European Parliament website.

We hope your application will be successful!

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European Muslim Students met with Commissioners and Parliamentarians

About 30 young students from across 17 European Member States convened with the Vice President of the European Parliament Mrs. McGuinness, the First Vice-President of the European Commission Mr. Timmermans, MEPs from all over the political spectrum, Advisors and Commissioners at the event “Engaging Young Muslims in the Future of Europe Debate” at the European Parliament in Brussels on 28th of September 2017.

The young students were invited as representatives of the European Muslim youth to exchange thoughts on ‘The Social Dimension of Europe’, ‘Harnessing Globalisation’ and ‘Muslims in Europe: Present and Future’. During discussions with Mrs. McGuinness and Mr. Timmermans and during the workshops moderated by MEPs Tom Vandenkendelaere, Jean Lambert and Sajjad Karim, students raised attention to sensitive topics and they challenged EU politicians and decision makers with burning questions and issues. Topics such as racism, discrimination, proper and standardized data collection on anti-Muslim hatred in each Member State, safety of housing, exploitation of interns, taxation fairness, discrimination on the labour market, the ruling of the European Court of Justice on the wearing of religious symbols were discussed with a great deal of interest and active engagement.

These suggestions are part of a jointly drafted document on the workshops’ outcomes, which will feed into the Future of Europe debate. The document includes recommendations gathered to improve the life of Europeans regardless of their ethnicity, gender or religion.

Therefore, if the Union’s institutions are to be sincere, the dialogue with Union citizens must be held on an equal footing, instead of a top-down dictum. Particularly in days when values such as Human Rights, Diversity and Coexistence are constantly threatened by nationalist and/or racist parties throughout the EU, the opportunity itself of getting involved in discussions with Commissioners and European Parliamentarians is considered crucial to keep up the dialogue between Union institutions and citizens, deepen ties and commit jointly to a common future.

To overcome injustice, intolerance, and racism, it is paramount to protect the fundamental rights of all Union citizens of the Union as incorporated in the European Union’s Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Council of Europe’s European Convention on Human Rights. It is paramount, for effective judicial protection of each individual’s fundamental rights which ensures personal and societal safety, social cohesion, and civil welfare. It is paramount to strongly and successfully unite in diversity.

The meeting has proven that young European Muslims share with each other the same sorrows concerning identity, education, racism, and social exclusion and inclusion. It also demonstrated the large interest of young people and their eagerness to actively contribute to Europe’s present and future. For there cannot be a future without participation.

FEMYO 21st General Assembly held in Cologne, Germany

The Forum of European Muslim & Students Organisations (FEMYSO) hosted its 21st General Assembly (GA) in Cologne, Germany 16th and 17th September 2017.

Delegates of FEMYSO’s Member Organisations from across Europe (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Belgium, Germany, France, Holland, Great Britain, Sweden, Italy, Slovakia, Ireland, Finland, Hungary and Switzerland) attended the General Assembly to elect its new executive committee and elected Youssef Himmat as its president. Upon his appointment he said, “I would like to thank the former executive committee for their hard work and achievements over the past 2 years. I am happy to be continuing this amazing work and believe the new Executive Committee is up to the challenge to fulfil this huge responsibility in contributing to the development of a diverse, cohesive and prosperous Europe.”

We extend our most heartfelt congratulations to the new executive committee, to whom we wish all the best for their mandate.

President: Youssef Himmat (Switzerland)
Treasurer: Adem Güngörmüş (Belgium)
Head of Campaigns: Hande Taner (Netherlands)
Head of Communications: Esed Ivojević (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Head of Fundraising: Vullnet Selmani (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia)
Head of Internal development: Abdelrahman Rizk (United Kingdom)
Head of Marketing: Hassiba Kechiche (France)
Head of Media & PR: Endrit Maçi (Albania)
Head of Member Organisations & Services: Ibrahim Kraria (Germany)
Head of Training & Events: Nadia Bouzekri (Italy)

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FOSIS Annual Conference 2017

Last week the Annual Conference of FOSIS took place and their next National Executive Committee has been elected. We asked Zara Mohammed, the former president, and Mohamed Fadil, the new president, to share some of their thoughts about this special moment.

‘It has been an incredible year serving Muslim Students across the UK & Eire. One of my highlights was meeting European Muslim Youth Leaders at the FEMYSO Gala, seeing the impact of all of our work in developing leaders and reminding me just how important our efforts are in making a real difference for young people at these challenging times. I wish the new team the best of success in the upcoming year!’
Zara Mohammed

‘I feel extremely honoured to be given this great responsibility. I pray that this year is a year where we, as a National Executive Committee in FOSIS, are able to make a huge positive impact on the lives of Muslim Students across UK and Ireland especially at these critical times. We also really look forward to working with FEMYSO and create a greater bond with all our European partners for many years to come in sha Allah.’

Mohamed Fadil

We would like to thank the former executive committee and Zara as their president for the work we did together last year, baraka Allahoe feekoem!

Congratulations to the new executive committee, we wish you all the best for the coming year and look forward to working together inshaAllah, towards a strong and cohesive Europe.

It was a pleasure to attend this special weekend as well, where we presented FEMYSO and delivered an introductionary mediaworkshop. Thank you for all the positive energy and we look forward to coming back to the UK soon!

FOSIS NEC 17/18

President: Mohamed Fadil
VP THR: Marwan Akari
VP ISCC: Osama Zubair
VP SAC: Saffa Mir
Finance: Ala Sawalha
Communication: Aadam Bari
Campaigns: Sayem Chowdhury
Services: Maalek Chatti
Member Relations: Fawaz Lone
Ireland chair: Haseeb Ul Haque
London chair: Enam Amod
Midlands chair: Omer Elhassan
North chair: Abdulrahman Elbayouk
Scotland chair: Waqqas Hussain
Wales & West chair: Jenan Ashi

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