The Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) sends its deepest condolences to the people of Hanau following yesterday’s devastating attack on their community. We extend our utmost support to the survivors and victim’s families in this incredibly difficult period.
Following the statement by the Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel who indicated that this was a racially motivated attack, we call upon the German authorities to provide assurances of protection to Muslim communities and other religious minority groups all across Germany.
We call upon national and international institutions to condemn this heinous act in the strongest language, as should be expected of the leadership of our nations.
“Firstly, I send my heartfelt condolences to the victims of the horrific attack on the community of Hanau on behalf of our organisation. Secondly, it would be unbecoming to not recognise the part that Islamophobic and anti-migrant rhetoric has played in this tragic event. The normalisation of this rhetoric in the mainstream is plain for all to see, therefore stamping out this hatred in all its forms must be our shared priority” – FEMYSO President Abdelrahman Rizk
We at FEMYSO will continue our efforts in advocating against Islamophobia and all forms of hate speech, and push for more effective policies that reflect the seriousness of these matters.
[END]
Notes
- FEMYSO (est. 1996) is an network organisation for 33 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.
- For more information please email media@femyso.org
