Category: Statements

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  

The Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) acknowledges the recent ceasefire deal in Gaza as an essential step toward halting the violence and the killing of civilians. The destruction of hospitals, schools, universities and homes is nothing short of devastating, and it will take decades for the people of Gaza and the State of Palestine to recover, rebuild and heal- if the terms of the ceasefire are fully implemented and respected.

Student movements have historically played a crucial role in advocating for change and holding authorities accountable. The recent mobilisation of students and youth across Europe has demonstrated the power of collective action in raising awareness and pressuring policymakers to address injustices. FEMYSO stands in solidarity with these movements and encourages continued engagement to ensure that the voices of youth are heard and respected.

FEMYSO calls on the EU to safeguard the rights of students, youth and activists across Europe, ensuring their ability to mobilise and advocate for global justice without fear of repression.

While the ceasefire is a necessary and positive development, it does not mark the end of the struggle for justice and human rights in the region. FEMYSO remains deeply concerned about the ongoing challenges, including the shrinking of civic space, systemic injustices, and the persistent double standards in the application of international law justice. These issues undermine the principles of democracy and human rights that we, as a society, hold dear.

[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

As civil society organisations, we are deeply concerned by the recent surge in Islamophobic attacks and the growing influence of far-right ideologies in the United Kingdom. The horrific murder of three young girls in Southport¹ last week has been exacerbated by a wave of misinformation and targeted hatred against Muslims, asylum seekers and racialised people. Far-right groups exploited this tragedy, spreading falsehoods about the ethnicity and religion of the perpetrator, and using the incident to further their own agendas².   

We unequivocally condemn these Islamophobic attacks and call for immediate actions by the new government which is yet to address the violence for what it is: Islamophobia and anti-migrant hatred. The normalisation of far-right discourse must be vigorously challenged, and mainstream political parties must be held accountable for their failure to confront and reject Islamophobic narratives, which civil society has been opposing for decades.  

The dangerous activities of far-right extremists, often enabled by anti-migrant rhetoric perpetuated by media and politicians, have led to a climate where racist violence can flourish. Recent attacks on mosques and the ongoing violence across the UK highlight the damaging consequences of inflammatory and divisive rhetoric.  

The current wave of hatred is not new but has been brewing for years due to divisive narratives and political scapegoating as well at the institutionalisation of Islamophobia where anti-Muslim sentiments are becoming increasingly embedded within governmental and social structures. This worrying trend is not limited to the UK but it is evident across several European countries³ where Muslims and migrants are also scapegoated, as the recent European elections have illustrated. Without urgent action, similar outbreaks could occur across Europe. Muslim communities deserve safety and respect, not fear and violence. 

We extend its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and communities affected by these heinous acts. The Muslim community in in the UK is living in fear for their safety and the sanctity of the places of worship. The exploitation of the grief of the families of the victims is absolutely deplorable. 

As we are approaching the 21^st of September, the European Day Against Islamophobia, addressing Islamophobia firmly and explicitly is critical and imperative. The violent riots illustrate how easily Muslims and racialised individuals can become scapegoats. We call on the UK government to take firm actions against Islamophobic hate as the time for inaction has passed; it is now time for decisive, unequivocal measures to safeguard Muslims and champion equality and justice.  

[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  

References

1. https://edition.cnn.com/2024/08/01/uk/southport-stabbings-suspect-charged-murder-intl-hnk/index.html
2. https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/online-misinformation-fueling-tensions-southport-stabbing-attack-killed-112463073

A few weeks ago, the United Nations designated the 11^th of July as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica¹, a dark stain on recent European history where Serbian Nationalist Militia killed more than 8,372 Muslim men and boys.  

As we observe this day, FEMYSO stands in solemn remembrance of the horrific events that transpired 29 years ago on European soil. On this day, we acknowledge the memory of the thousands of innocent lives lost and acknowledge the deep scars on the survivors of the Bosnian Muslim community.  

The Srebrenica genocide did not occur in a vacuum. It was the culmination of years of dehumanisation and systematic killing of Muslim Bosniaks, nearly 100,000 of whom perished in the years leading up to the genocide.  This Day serves as a critical reminder of the atrocities committed and the need for ongoing vigilance against Islamophobia in all its forms.  

The current European context is alarming, as we witness the rise of the far-right nurtured by racist and Islamophobic sentiments and a disturbing parallel with the ongoing genocides in Palestine, Sudan, and the Congo. These events emphasise the urgency of addressing the root causes of such violence and preventing history from repeating itself. The dehumanisation of any group is a dangerous precursor to mass violence, and it is our collective responsibility to combat it at every turn.  

In our commitment to this cause, FEMYSO recently held its annual consultation meeting in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and visited Srebrenica along with the member organisations in order to deepen our understanding and solidarity. Through these actions, we aim to raise awareness and educate future generations about the consequences of unchecked Islamophobia.  

We call on all individuals and institutions to join #WeRemember95 in a collective effort to decolonise history and ensure that the teaching of genocide is accurate and comprehensive.  

Remembering the Srebrenica genocide is not just about honouring those who were brutally killed; it is about recognising the signs of dehumanisation and taking decisive action to prevent such atrocities from occurring again. 

References

¹ UN establishes International Day of reflection for Srebrenica genocide | UN News 

As the international community’s failure grows in front of the unfolding of the genocide in Gaza, courageous students standing in solidarity across Europe are met with unjust repercussions, police brutality and punitive measures¹. 

As Israel’s military campaign killed over 35 000 Palestinians and left a trail of demolished infrastructures, including the destruction of all universities in Gaza, the higher education system has completely collapsed. Meanwhile, students worldwide are fearlessly uniting to demand justice, urging academic institutions to take a stand against this ongoing genocide. Their demands are unequivocal: 

• Immediate and permanent ceasefire to end the bloodshed in Gaza and occupied territories. 
• Universities to openly disclose any ties with entities profiting from the genocide, ensuring accountability and ethical responsibility.  
• Divestment from complicit entities and businesses supporting the oppression of Palestinians, sending a clear message that complicity will not be tolerated.  
• Welcome Palestinian refugee students impacted by the genocide, offering support and resources to facilitate their integration into the education systems in Europe.  

Yet, those peacefully exercising their rights under Article 12 of the EU Charter on Human Rights² are met with violent repression, facing arrests and assaults with bulldozers, batons and water cannons.   
In Sorbonne Université³, 88 students were arrested and detained by the police, while in Amsterdam, over 100 students and faculty members were subjected to brutal beatings and arrests⁴. Elsewhere, Gaza solidarity encampments have sprung up in renowned universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Science Po Paris, Humboldt University in Germany, University of Bologna, showcasing solidarity for the Palestinian people and students.   
 
Throughout history, student movements have served as powerful catalysts for transformative societal change. From the civil rights era to anti-apartheid struggles, students have been at the forefront of movements fighting for justice and equality. In 2024, the current protests of solidarity towards Palestinians represent not just a momentary uprising, but a continuation of the enduring aspirations for justice that spans generations. 

FEMYSO calls on the academic institutions and universities to honour and safeguard fundamental rights of students to engage in peaceful protest. It is a responsibility of these institutions to protect civil liberties and unequivocally reject any use of violence against the very individuals they are tasked with educating, as these students represent the future of our societies. 

We commend the courage, the integrity and resilience of students who stand against injustice, as well as those who expressed dissent against what will undoubtedly become another tragic dark stain on modern history.  

Moreover, we urge European governments and international institutions to take immediate action to halt Israeli genocide in Gaza, uphold principles of international law, leaving no room for ambiguity in the pursuit of justice and accountability. 

[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 

References

¹ Clashes and arrests as pro-Palestinian protests spread across European campuses | Israel-Gaza war | The Guardian 

² Article 12 – Freedom of assembly and of association | European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (europa.eu) 

³ https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2024/05/08/mobilisation-propalestinienne-88-etudiants-en-garde-a-vue-apres-avoir-occupe-un-amphitheatre-a-la-sorbonne_6232233_3224.html 

⁴ Amsterdam pro-Palestinian student protest broken up by police | Reuters 

Recent threats targeting three Mosques in Oslo have plunged European Muslims into a state of fear for their safety and security. This foiled terror plot, echo the heinous Christchurch terrorist attack of 2019, where 51 worshippers were murdered. 

Rooted in the abhorrent far-right Great Replacement conspiracy theory and far-right extremism, these threats expose the surge in Islamophobia sweeping across Europe, casting a dark shadow over the fundamental rights and safety of Muslim citizens. Norway itself bore witness to such terror in 2011, when Anders Breivik perpetrated a terrorist attack, claiming the lives of 77 individuals. Breivik’s attack was fuelled by rampant Islamophobia, as outlined in his manifesto where he advocated for the mass expulsion of Muslims from Europe.  

During the sacred month of Ramadan, a time for spiritual reflection and devotion, Muslims should be able to practice their faith without fear or intimidation. Yet the spectre of violence roams largely, threatening the safety of our communities. Less than a month ago, we commemorated the fifth anniversary of the Christchurch terror attack in New Zealand, only to find ourselves confronted with the same vile hate embodied in these dangerous threats. 

We call upon the Norwegian authorities to treat these events with utmost seriousness and to take decisive action to prevent potential Islamophobic attacks. The Norwegian Police Security Service (PST)’s decision to arm the police is a minimum measure, however, more must be done to proportionately address the threat posed by poisonous ideologies sowing division and hatred. 

Yet, it is deeply troubling that the PST¹ has not classified these threats as terrorism, raising serious concerns about the adequacy of responses to the rising tide of Islamophobia and far-right extremism. 

FEMYSO stands in solidarity with our member organisation Norges Unge Muslimer (NUM) and expresses deep concern for the safety of Norwegian Muslims. FEMYSO President Hania Chalal stated that “These threats constitute only a symptom of a major disease eroding the democratic fabric of Europe: Islamophobia. At its worst, Muslims are left vulnerable and in fear for their lives, which is intolerable in our European societies.” 

Moreover, the inadequate data on hate crimes against Muslims in Europe highlights the pressing need for more firm policy action. With many countries lacking a specific category for such crimes and others failing to record them all together², the reported numbers, such as Germany’s 610 cases, Sweden’s 500 cases³, and the Netherlands’ 161, likely represent only a fraction of the actual crimes.  

Failure to act decisively and urgently will pose an even greater risk to our collective security. The scourge of Islamophobia extends beyond Norway’s borders, plaguing nations across Europe.  

We demand concrete measures to be taken to protect places of worship and urge European leaders to confront Islamophobia head-on and ensure the safety of their respective Muslim communities. 

 
[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 

References:

1. Oslo-politiet bevæpner seg etter trusler på nettsted (vg.no)
2. PACE-submission-Islamophobia-1-June-2022.pdf (amnesty.eu) 
3. Anti-Muslim hate crime | HCRW (osce.org)