Category: Statements

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 25^th 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.  

2. 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. 

3. 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.     

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

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 

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 

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 11^th  and 12^th 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 

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.

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 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.     

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

On this International Day of Education, FEMYSO stands in solidarity with all those advocating for accessible, equitable and inclusive education. Education is a fundamental human right and is transformative in breaking cycles of poverty, discrimination, and inequality. Yet far too many, particularly those from marginalised communities such as Muslims, continue to face systemic barriers that hinder their access to quality education. 

Discrimination and institutional bias remain pervasive. According to the FRA’s recent report titled “Being Muslim in Europe”, 16% of Muslim parents report that their children face harassment or bullying at school due to their ethnic or immigrant background, with 6% experiencing physical abuse. These injustices are compounded by racial profiling, silencing and surveillance of Muslim students – especially those showing solidarity with Palestinians – who face disciplinary action for protesting and exercising their right to freedom of speech. 

Education systems must also confront their Eurocentric curricula, which marginalise the histories and contributions of non-Western communities while undermining the principle of true objectivity. On the 30^th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, FEMYSO calls on European ministries of education to include this significant history of the genocide committed against Bosniaks that took place on European soil 30 years ago.  

Furthermore, socioeconomic inequalities further limit access to education for marginalised communities as a result of rising costs of school supplies and tuition fees. FEMYSO supports initiatives like the European Youth Forum’s #banunpaidinternships campaign, ensuring young people have equal access to professional opportunities without exploitation.  

To amplify these issues, FEMYSO is proud to organise its upcoming study session in cooperation with the Council of Europe: “Student Voices Amplified”. This training will address student affairs, elevate youth perspectives, and empower Muslim youth and students from across Europe to advocate for equity and inclusion within educational systems. 

We call on governments and educational institutions to take concrete steps to address systemic discrimination, decolonise education, and remove economic barriers. Education must be a right for all, not a privilege for the few.  

[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