Letter to Roberta Metsola

Brussels, 23 May 2025

Dear President Roberta Metsola,

I write on behalf of the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO), the leading European network representing Muslim youth committed to civic engagement, democratic participation, and social cohesion.

We raise an urgent concern: the escalating attacks on our organisation, our members, and the broader right of European Muslim youth to participate in European public life. On 21 May 2025, the French Ministry of the Interior released a report titled “Muslim Brotherhood and Political Islam in France.” Though framed as a security analysis, the document is ideologically motivated, lacking any rigour, and dangerously equates lawful civic participation with undermining national security.

This report reflects a wider trend: European Muslim youth are caught in a no-win situation—labelled as “infiltrators” if they engage in public life, or “separatists” if they engage within their faith-based community. These narratives aim to delegitimise our presence and disqualify us from democratic life.

Let us be clear: FEMYSO is an independent, transparent organisation rooted in the values of democracy, inclusion, and human rights. For over two decades, we have worked with non-Muslim partners to build bridges and encourage European young Muslims to be active citizens. To frame the civic participation of minority youth as a national security threat is not only unjust—it is profoundly dangerous, particularly in an environment where we have seen rising incidents of Islamophobic hate crime.

Indeed, since the report’s release, far-right actors have been further emboldened to target us, including attempts to undermine our participation in the European Youth Event—one of the rare spaces for institutional youth dialogue and a space where all European youth should feel welcome. This is a matter of principle: no citizen should be excluded from public life because of their faith, visible identity, or civic engagement. What is at stake is the integrity of European democracy. We have always been inspired by your consistency in championing the involvement of young people in political processes, emphasising the need to listen to their concerns, actively engage them, and empower them to shape the future of Europe. And we recall your public message asserting that “Europe cannot afford to leave anyone behind. Not least our young people.” and also stating that “Wherever discussions are taking place about young people and their future, they should be there too.”

We therefore urge you to:

  • Publicly reaffirm support for inclusive youth participation, including for visibly Muslim young people and organisations
  • Address the spread of state-level disinformation and ideological profiling that normalises Islamophobia

A detailed policy brief is attached, outlining the broader implications of this report and the growing securitisation of Muslim civil society in Europe.

In the spirit of your public statements and given the gravity of this situation, we respectfully request an urgent meeting with you to discuss these concerns and explore potential avenues for addressing this issue at the European level. We believe that the European Parliament has a crucial role to play in protecting the rights and freedoms of all its citizens and in combating all forms of discrimination.

At a time of rising extremism, we cannot afford silence. Muslim youth are not a threat—they are an essential part of Europe’s future. We stand ready to work with all who share a vision of a democratic, inclusive Europe.

Sincerely,

Hania Chalal

PRESS RELEASE: FEMYSO denounces French report’s exclusionary narrative and attack on Muslim civil society 

(French below)

Brussels, Wednesday 21 May 2025 

The Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) expresses deep concern at the French government’s recently published report and strongly condemns the defamatory and politically driven narrative which aims to delegitimise Muslim civil society actors — including our organisation — through vague and unsubstantiated allegations framed as national security concerns. We were never contacted or consulted in the drafting process- a glaring omission that mirrors the very exclusion the report attempts to normalise. 

FEMYSO is a proudly youth-led and democratic organisation. We categorically reject any attempt to associate us with political entities and urge the French government to reconsider the long-term consequences of policies that alienate its own citizens. French Muslims are part and parcel of the national fabric – engaged, proud, and committed to their society. 

It is particularly troubling that this report employs Islamophobic tropes and unsubstantiated claims at a time when constructive dialogue is most needed. We have seen similar rhetorical strategies in the public debate following the brutal murder of Aboubakar Cissé – moments when serious societal issues are avoided by stirring artificial controversies around terms like Islamophobia.  

FEMYSO remains steadfast in our mission to promote dignity, pluralism, and democratic participation. Today we have sent an official letter to the French Minister of the Interior, inviting him to meet with us and our members, experience first-hand the civic work our organisation does across Europe. We believe that engagement and dialogue – not exclusion and suspicion – are the foundations of a diverse, cohesive and vibrant Europe.  

We call upon European institutions, civil society actors, and all defenders of democratic values to stand firm against this dangerous trend to marginalise and silence European Muslim communities under the pretext of security.  

[END] 

1. FEMYSO (est. 1996) is a network organisation for 32 Muslim youth and student organisations across 20 European countries, and is the leading voice for European Muslim youth, developing and empowering them, and working to build a more diverse, cohesive and vibrant Europe. 

2. FEMYSO responds to false allegations on links to Muslim Brotherhood  

3. Smear campaign investigation statement: 

4. FEMYSO New Yorker statement: https://femyso.org/femyso-new-yorker-statement/  

5. Further clarifications on our organization and its governance can be found on the FAQ page.  

6. For more information or requests please email media@femyso.org   

COMMUNIQUÉ DE PRESSE 

FEMYSO dénonce le récit excluant du rapport français et l’attaque contre la société civile musulmane 

Bruxelles, mercredi 21 mai 2025 

Le Forum Européen des Organisations Musulmanes Étudiantes et de Jeunesse (FEMYSO) exprime sa profonde inquiétude face au rapport récemment publié par le gouvernement français et condamne fermement le récit diffamatoire et politiquement motivé visant à délégitimer les acteurs de la société civile musulmane – y compris notre organisation – à travers des allégations vagues et non fondées, présentées sous couvert de préoccupations sécuritaires. Nous n’avons jamais été contactés ni consultés dans le cadre de l’élaboration de ce rapport – une omission flagrante qui reflète l’exclusion même que ce document cherche à normaliser. 

FEMYSO est une organisation fièrement dirigée par des jeunes et fondée sur des principes démocratiques. Nous rejetons catégoriquement toute tentative de nous associer à des entités ideologiques et appelons le gouvernement français à reconsidérer les conséquences à long terme de politiques qui marginalisent ses propres citoyens. Les musulmans de France font partie intégrante du tissu national – engagés, fiers et investis dans leur société. 

Il est particulièrement préoccupant que ce rapport reprenne des clichés islamophobes et des affirmations sans fondement, à un moment où le dialogue constructif est plus que jamais nécessaire. Nous avons observé des stratégies rhétoriques similaires dans le débat public qui a suivi l’assassinat brutal d’Aboubakar Cissé – des moments où des enjeux sociétaux réels sont évités en suscitant des controverses artificielles autour de termes comme l’islamophobie. 

FEMYSO reste fermement engagé dans sa mission de promotion de la dignité, du pluralisme et de la participation démocratique. Aujourd’hui, nous avons adressé une lettre officielle au Ministre de l’Intérieur français, l’invitant à rencontrer notre organisation et nos membres, afin de découvrir directement le travail civique que nous menons à travers l’Europe. Nous croyons que l’engagement et le dialogue – et non l’exclusion et la suspicion – sont les fondements d’une Europe diverse, cohésive et dynamique. 

Nous appelons les institutions européennes, les acteurs de la société civile et tous les défenseurs des valeurs démocratiques à résister fermement à cette tendance dangereuse de marginalisation et de réduction au silence des communautés musulmanes européennes sous prétexte de sécurité. 

[FIN] 

  1. FEMYSO (fondé en 1996) est une organisation de réseau regroupant 32 organisations de jeunesse et d’étudiants musulmans dans 20 pays européens. Il constitue la voix principale de la jeunesse musulmane européenne, œuvrant à son développement et à son autonomisation, et travaillant à construire une Europe plus diverse, cohésive et dynamique. 
  1. FEMYSO répond aux fausses allégations de liens avec les Frères musulmans. 
  1. Déclaration concernant l’enquête sur la campagne de diffamation. 
  1. Déclaration du FEMYSO en réponse à l’article du New Yorker :  
  1. Des précisions supplémentaires sur notre organisation et sa gouvernance sont disponibles sur notre page FAQ. 
  1. Pour plus d’informations ou pour toute demande, veuillez écrire à: media@femyso.org 

Press Release: France Mosque Attack

PRESS RELEASE  

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION  

Brussels l 27 April 2025  

FEMYSO DEMANDS FULL ACCOUNTABILITY AFTER ISLAMOPHOBIC MURDER INSIDE FRENCH MOSQUE 

The Forum of European Muslim and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) is deeply outraged by the Islamophobic execution of Aboubakar, a 22-year-old volunteer of Malian heritage, inside La Grand Combe mosque, France –during the early hours of Friday 25th April 2025.

According to the surveillance cameras and media accounts, the assailant stabbed Aboubakar at least 40 times, filmed the dying victim and hurled Islamophobic slurs before fleeing the scene. 

THIS CRIME EXPOSES A SYSTEMIC FAILURE 

The brutal murder of Aboubakar, a premeditated hate-driven terror attack – is the foreseeable outcome of years of unchallenged state measures that single out Muslims, political rhetoric that trades in fear, and a media environment that has normalised the vilification of Muslims.  

France recorded one of the highest rates in Europe on discriminatory ethnic profiling (57%), a trend that has only accelerated as far-right narratives migrate fringe talk-shows into parliamentary debate and state policies. When governments choose targeting Muslim communities or worse, indifference toward such hostility, they license the very violence that ended Aboubakar’s life.  

FEMYSO’s immediate demands 

  1. The French prosecutor must mobilise all efforts to arrest the perpetrator known as Oliver H. and charge him under terrorism and hate-crime statutes, reflecting the explicitly anti-Muslim hatred motive.  
  1. Until this plague of anti‑Muslim violence is cured, dedicated national and EU funding streams must be established to provide physical security and community support for mosques and Islamic centres across Europe. 
  1. The French Government and the European Commission must launch an immediate review of laws and practices that disproportionately target Muslims, with a clear roadmap to repeal or amend them. 

“The blood spilled in La Grand-Combe now stains every French and EU institution that has ignored the rise of Islamophobia” declared Hania Chalal, FEMYSO President. “Either Europe turns this outrage and empty condolences into concrete legislation, budgets and prosecutions – or it can frankly admit that Muslim lives are negotiable. We are done waiting.” 

 
FEMYSO stands in solidarity with Aboubakar’s family, the local community, and all Muslims across Europe who wonder whether their next prayer at their local mosque could be their last. We will continue to challenge every policy that fuels hatred and press every institution for action until Mosques are secure and anti-Muslim racism is met with the full force of the law.  

[END]   

Notes:    

  1. FEMYSO (est. 1996) is a network organisation for 32 Muslim youth and student organisations across 22 European countries, and is the leading voice for European Muslim youth, developing and empowering them, and working to build a more diverse, cohesive and vibrant Europe.     
  1. For more information or requests please email media@femyso.org. 
     

FEMYSO statement on Pope Francis

The world has lost a moral force who stood unapologetically with the oppressed. FEMYSO mourns the passing of Pope Francis, a global religious leader who used his voice to uplift the voiceless and challenge power in pursuit of justice.  

At a time where marginalised people, including migrants, refugees and minorities are too often scapegoated for society’s ills, Pope Francis offered a different vision- one rooted in compassion and humanity. He reminded the world that we should respond to human suffering with empathy, openness and shared responsibility.  

Throughout his papacy, he stood firmly with the oppressed. Whether speaking out against poverty, environmental destruction, or war, he used his platform to challenge injustice and call for action.  

FEMYSO particularly honours Pope Francis’ outspoken support for the Palestinians. While much of the international community chose silence in the face of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, Pope Francis chose to speak clearly and boldly. Even from his hospital bed, he reached out nightly to the Palestinian Christian community in Gaza and spoke about against the killing of children.  

At a time of rising Islamophobia and division, Pope Francis made real efforts to build bridges between communities to interfaith dialogue, rooted in respect, humility and shared values. He also helped create space for meaningful cooperation between Muslims and Christians across the World.  

As the pan-European network of Muslim youth and students, FEMYSO shares Pope Francis’ belief that faith must drive us towards justice, peace, and solidarity with the oppressed. His legacy strengthens our resolve to keep pushing for a more just, compassionate, and united world. 

Notes:

  1. FEMYSO (est. 1996) is a network organisation for 32 Muslim youth and student organisations across 22 European countries, and is the leading voice for European Muslim youth, developing and empowering them, and working to build a more diverse, cohesive and vibrant Europe.
  2. For more information or requests please email media@femyso.org 

Joint Statement by FEMYSO and WSCF-Europe: We Condemn Israel’s Attack on Gaza’s Last Functioning Hospital and Denial of Christian Worship on Palm Sunday

Brussels – 15 April 2025 –  

We, the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) and the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) – Europe, express our deep concern over the continued targeting of civilians of violence in Gaza andthe broader region, particularly the recent bombing of al-Ahli Hospital and the restrictions placed on Palestinian Christians seeking to attend Palm Sunday services in Jerusalem. 

These developments not only raise serious humanitarian concerns but also strike at the core of fundamental rights: the right to life, the right to health, the right to freedom of worship, and the protection of civilians under international law.  

Despite clear protections under the Geneva conventions, hospitals in Gaza have been repeatedly bombed by Israeli forces, Al-Ahli hospital had remained the only critical lifeline after the destruction of medical facilities including Al-Shifa medical complex in Northern Gaza. According to the Palestinian Civil Defence, Sunday’s airstrike destroyed the surgical building and oxygen generation facilities, forcing doctors and patients to evacuate with less than 20 minutes’ notice. Since October 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) has verified at least 654 attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza, highlighting the systematic erosion of the territory’s already devastated health system. 

Moreover, Israeli forces blocked thousands of worshippers from entering Jerusalem to attend Palm Sunday services. Regulations require Palestinians to obtain special permits to enter religious sites including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Only a limited number of worshippers were allowed who were mostly from Jerusalem or Palestinian citizens of Israel.  

As young people of faith committed to peace, justice and sanctity of human dignity, we are profoundly dismayed by these acts of violence. The deliberate targeting and destruction of medical facilities- spaces that are meant to heal and not harm- represent grave violations of international law and fundamental human rights. Hospitals and clinics must never be weaponised or deliberately destroyed. Likewise, the right to religious practice must be fiercely safeguarded- particularly during sacred times such as Holy Week, when communities seek refuge in worship, not fear. 

We call on all actors to uphold international law, ensure the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure, and preserve access to places of worship for all communities. 

At a time of immense suffering, we stand in solidarity with all those affected – Palestinian Muslims and Christians alike – and renew our shared commitment to dialogue, justice and the dignity of every human life.  

[END] 

Notes:   

  1. FEMYSO (est. 1996) is a network organisation for 32 Muslim youth and student organisations across 22 European countries, and is the leading voice for European Muslim youth, developing and empowering them, and working to build a more diverse, cohesive and vibrant Europe.
  2. The WSCF is a global federation of student Christian groups forming the youth and student arm of the global ecumenical movement.
  3. For more information or requests please email media@femyso.org 

Statement on EU’s complicity in Israel’s war crimes

FEMYSO Condemns European Complicity in Israel’s war crimes and calls for accountability and respect for International Law 

The Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) expresses deep alarm at the growing complicity of European leaders in Israel’s ongoing violations of international law and human rights in Gaza.  

While the International Court of Justice (ICJ)1 found it plausible that Israel’s acts could amount to genocide and the International Criminal Court (ICC)2 has issued an arrest warrant for top Israeli officials over alleged war crimes, some EU leaders have continued to engage with Israeli officials. Hungary’s decision to host war crimes suspect Benjamin Netanyahu – despite being legally obligated under article 127 of the Rome Statute to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC)3 for one full year following its withdrawal notification – is a grave breach of international norms.  

Equally troubling is the recent visit of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas to Israel, describing Israel as a good partner4 despite the continuous international law violations. These actions send a harmful message, undermining the international legal system and underlining that political interests override states’ legal obligations regarding justice and accountability.  

Since March 2, no humanitarian aid has entered Gaza. According to the UN5, all 25 bakeries supported by the World Food Programme have been shut down, and two-thirds of Gaza is now a no-go zone due to relentless Israeli bombardment. The breakdown of the ceasefire on March 18 has resulted in at least 1163 civilian deaths, including 322 children and over 142 000 people displaced in less than three weeks. Israeli officials have also declared plans to seize large areas of Gaza6, indicating an alarming shift towards annexation and permanent occupation. Yet, we have seen disappointingly weak statements by European leaders despite Europe’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law. Moreover, Israel is ramping up its plans to annex the West Bank. Recent statements by senior Israeli officials threatening Gaza-like devastation in Palestinian towns mark an alarming escalation and further entrenchment of the occupation. 7 

FEMYSO President Hania Chalal stated that “These acts continue to reflect a persistent lack of accountability and failure to address the genocide in Gaza, in violation of the Geneva Conventions and in customary international law. FEMYSO strongly condemns ongoing war crimes, and the crime of genocide committed in Gaza, as well as the enabling silence and complicity of EU officials and leaders of EU Member States.” 

We call on EU officials and member states to: 

  • Immediately and fully endorse and implement the ICC arrest warrants.  
  • Immediately implement the ICJ preliminary rulings issues on the 11th  and 12th of January 2024. 
  • Uphold their obligations under international law, including by desisting from providing diplomatic support for those violating these obligations. 

We also call on civil society organisations to speak up against complicity in genocide and to stand up for justice, accountability, and human dignity. 

Justice and peace will never be achieved through partnerships with war criminals. The EU cannot continue economic partnerships and business as usual. Silence in the face of genocide is complicity.  

1 Summary of the Order of 26 January 2024 | INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE 
2 Situation in the State of Palestine: ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I rejects the State of Israel’s challenges to jurisdiction and issues warrants of arrest for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant | International Criminal Court
3 Israeli leader Netanyahu applauds Hungary’s ICC exit on Budapest visit | Reuters 
4 Israel: remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas at the joint press conference with Minister for Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar | EEAS 
5 Israel says plenty of food in Gaza, UN says that’s ridiculous 
6 Israel announces plan to seize ‘large areas’ in Gaza – as it happened
7 Israel’s Smotrich vows escalation against Palestinians in West Bank, threatens Gaza-like fate 

[END] 

Notes:   

1. FEMYSO (est. 1996) is a network organisation for 32 Muslim youth and student organisations across 22 European countries, and is the leading voice for European Muslim youth, developing and empowering them, and working to build a more diverse, cohesive and vibrant Europe.    

2. For more information or requests please email media@femyso.org 

FEMYSO calls for long-lasting peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina amid the current political and security context

Monday, 24th March 2025

As the voice of Muslim youth in Europe, FEMYSO is alarmed by the recent political and security crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The increasing instability has exposed the fragility of the Dayton Peace Agreement and serves as a dangerous reminder of the ideologies that led to the Bosnian genocide of the 1990s. As a youth-led organisation advocating for justice and human rights, FEMYSO stands in solidarity with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina against attempts to undermine its sovereignty and security.

The recent sentencing of Milorad Dodik, the ultra-nationalist president of the Serb-led Republika Srpska (RS) entity, to one year in prison with a six-year ban from holding presidential office has further exposed these tensions. Dodik’s refusal to accept the verdict and his threats to “radicalise the situation” have been followed by unconstitutional separatist laws enacted by the Republika Srpska National Assembly.

Due to the attacks on the constitutional order, the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina has requested the arrest of RS President Milorad Dodik, Prime Minister of the RS Government Radovan Višković, and President of the RS National Assembly Nenad Stevandić. Security agencies have not yet executed the court order due to security challenges.

The rise in security threats, reminiscent of the 1990s, is exacerbated by the normalisation of escalating rhetoric including Islamophobia among media, politicians and the public at the local and national levels which is alarming within the context of genocide denial and triumphalism. The EU peacekeeping force (EUFOR) has been forced to deploy reserve forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina to prevent further destabilisation.

Amid these developments, the Srebrenica Genocide Memorial Centre has taken the difficult decision to close its doors due to security threats. This closure is an evident indication of the worsening situations and highlights the urgent need for international intervention. The Memorial Centre, run by survivors of the Srebrenica genocide, plays a critical role in preserving historical truth and honouring the memory of the victims. With the 30-year commemoration of the Srebrenica Genocide approaching in July 2025, it is essential that the centre is protected from those seeking to erase history.

President of FEMYSO, Hania, stated: “The closure of the Srebrenica Genocide Memorial Centre is a distressing reflection of the worsening situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The international community cannot remain silent while history is being rewritten and security is under threat. We must act now to safeguard peace, truth, and justice.”

 FEMYSO calls on the EU to:

  • Condemn secessionist threats in Bosnia and Herzegovina and urge Milorad Dodik to comply with the summons from Bosnia and Herzegovina judiciary.
  • Empower the security organs and law enforcement of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina to ensure that any actual step towards secession by Milorad Dodik are quelled
  • Impose sanctions on Milorad Dodik, Radovan Viskovic and Nenad Stevandic as their illegal moves are a direct threat to the peace and integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina

FEMYSO stands with all who call for peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and denounce all those that seek to divide and destroy our societies with their dangerous language and actions.

END

Notes:  

1.   FEMYSO (est. 1996) is a network organisation for 30 Muslim youth and student organisations across 22 European countries, and is the leading voice for European Muslim youth, developing and empowering them, and working to build a more diverse, cohesive and vibrant Europe.   

2.   For more media-related information or requests please email media@femyso.org.

Statement on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia

Today, on the UN International Day to Combat Islamophobia, we reflect on the urgent need to address the growing hostility against Muslims across Europe and beyond. The 15th of March, chosen as a day of remembrance, resonates deeply with millions of Muslims worldwide as it marks the anniversary of the Christchurch terrorist attack in 2019, an act of unspeakable brutality that shocked the world and exposed the deadly consequences of Islamophobic hate.

But Christchurch is not an isolated event, we have witnessed numerous tragic incidents fuelled by Islamophobia, including the murder of Marwa El-Sherbini in 2009, who was brutally stabbed in a German courtroom for simply wearing a hijab. These acts of violence are stark reminders of the very real dangers faced by Muslims in Europe and beyond.

This year’s commemoration is particularly significant as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide, a harrowing reminder of the consequences of dehumanisation and unchecked hatred towards Muslim communities on European soil.

Three decades later, we are witnessing an alarming resurgence of Islamophobic rhetoric, violence, and exclusion, exacerbated by the ongoing war in Gaza. Across the continent, Muslims, particularly young people, face growing discrimination and barriers in education, employment, and public life. This climate of fear and exclusion is not only a threat to individual rights but also undermines the very principles of equality and democracy that the European Union upholds.

Islamophobia is not just an abstract issue; it is a lived reality for millions of Europeans, and its normalisation is preventing equal participation in society. From education to employment, negative stereotypes and systemic biases continue to marginalise Muslims, as illustrated by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights’ latest report, Being Muslim in the EU (2024)1, presenting alarming findings:

  • Muslim students, especially in higher education, face structural barriers that limit their academic and professional opportunities. Many experience exclusion, discrimination, and a lack of institutional support.
  • Alarmingly, young Muslims are disproportionately affected: in the 13 Member States surveyed, the share of young Muslim respondents who experience discrimination is three times higher (30%) than among young people in the general population.
  • Islamophobia affects even the youngest members of our communities—16% of Muslim parents or guardians report that their children experience harassment or bullying at school due to their ethnic or immigrant background. Despite these urgent challenges, Islamophobia remains inadequately addressed at the European level. With the upcoming adoption of the EU Anti-Racism Strategy, we call on European

institutions to take concrete action against Islamophobia’s detrimental effects on young people, particularly in higher education and access to the job market.

Our key demands include the following:

  • The incorporation of the Srebrenica Genocide into educational curricula, fostering remembrance and reinforcing the lessons of the past to combat present-day hatred.
  • The establishment of stronger reporting mechanisms to protect Muslim students in higher education, ensuring they have safe avenues to report discrimination.
  • The adoption of robust policies and measures to prevent and counteract hate speech on campuses, creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
  • For universities to provide continuous training in cultural competency, anti- discrimination, and anti-muslim racism for teachers and educational staff, equipping them with the necessary tools to foster diversity and inclusion within classrooms.

We are proud to stand alongside organisations committed to equality and inclusion, including

ternYpe-International Roma Youth Network
No Hate Speech Network
AEGEE-Europe / European Students’ Forum
Organising Bureau of European School Student Unions (OBESSU)
DiasporaVote!
Federation of Young European Greens
European Youth Forum
European Students’ Union (ESU)
World Student Christian Federation in Europe (WSCF-Europe).

Together, we call on the European Union to put young people at the heart of its strategy and ensure that no student is denied the right to education, dignity, and opportunity because of their faith.

1https://fra.europa.eu/sites/default/files/fra_uploads/fra-2024-being-muslim-in-the-eu_en.pdf


FEMYSO – Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations

FEMYSO Condemns the Örebro School Shooting Attack 

FEMYSO strongly condemns the tragic attack at the educational centre of Risbergska, in Örebro, Sweden, on Tuesday, 4 February 2025. Described by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson as the worst mass shooting in Sweden’s history, the attack claimed the lives of eleven people.  

Authorities are still determining whether Sweden’s deadliest mass shooting was driven by racial motives, following reports that the 11 victims came from diverse national backgrounds, including Syrian and Bosnian. The deliberate targeting of the educational centre, known for its crucial role in providing vocational trainings and offering Swedish language courses to immigrants raises serious concerns about the growing tide of anti-migrant hatred and far-right radicalisation.  

In the wake of this horrific tragedy, FEMYSO urgently calls for concrete action to combat racism, xenophobia, and the increasing influence of extremist ideologies. The polarisation of public debate and the portrayal of racialised communities as societal threats contribute to a dangerous climate where acts of violence occur more often. This must not go unchallenged. Addressing structural discrimination and far-right extremism is crucial in preventing further tragedies. 

FEMYSO continues to witness how political and media narratives increasingly deepen divisions, reinforcing an ‘us vs. them’ mentality that fuels dangerous discourse. When certain groups are persistently scapegoated, it creates an environment where hate-driven violence can flourish. We urge policymakers, civil society, and all communities to stand against this division and work towards a society rooted in fairness and mutual respect. 

Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this senseless act of violence. FEMYSO remains committed to fighting all forms of racism and intolerance, ensuring that such tragedies are never repeated. 

[END]   

Notes :    

  1. FEMYSO (est. 1996) is a network organisation for 32 Muslim youth and student organisations across 22 European countries, and is the leading voice for European Muslim youth, developing and empowering them, and working to build a more diverse, cohesive and vibrant Europe.     
  1. For more information or requests please email media@femyso.org 
     

FEMYSO denounces the Islamophobic instrumentalisation of the Holocaust Remembrance Day of Euractiv’s Editor-in-Chief

FEMYSO strongly condemns the shameful weaponisation of Holocaust Remembrance Day by Euractiv’s editor-in-chief, Matthew Karnitschnig, who used this solemn occasion to promote divisive and Islamophobic discourse.

His claim that antisemitism is inherent or universal to Muslim migrant communities is not only fallacious and entirely unfounded but also dangerously ignores a key driver of antisemitism’s resurgence: the rise of nationalist populism across Europe.

At a time when we should be strengthening our collective memory and commitment to fighting hatred in all its forms, Karnitschnig’s article serves only to further stigmatise already marginalised communities.

This reckless scapegoating fuels Islamophobic narratives and distracts from the responsibility that governments, institutions, and political actors bear in the fight against all forms of racism, including antisemitism.

We demand the immediate removal of this Islamophobic article and a formal apology for the harm caused. Such inflammatory rhetoric has no place in responsible journalism, particularly from a media platform that claims to uphold journalistic integrity.

As FEMYSO, we have witnessed first-hand the alarming normalisation of Islamophobia in European media, where Muslim communities are routinely vilified and blamed for societal issues while structural discrimination and far-right radicalisation remain unaddressed.

The fight against antisemitism must not be used as a pretext to promote Islamophobic tropes. Instead, we must unite against all forms of hatred.

FEMYSO remains steadfast in its commitment to combating racism in all its manifestations—whether antisemitism, Islamophobia, or any other form of bigotry. We call on media organisations to take responsibility in fostering narratives that promote solidarity rather than division.

[END]

Notes: 

1. FEMYSO (est. 1996) is a network organisation for 32 Muslim youth and student organisations across 22 European countries, and is the leading voice for European Muslim youth, developing and empowering them, and working to build a more diverse, cohesive and vibrant Europe. 

2. Euractiv article:  https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/opinion/the-brief-never-again/

3. FEMYSO statement on The International Holocaust Remembrance Day: https://femyso.org/international-holocaust-remembrance-day-2025/

4. For more information or requests please email media@femyso.org