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FEMYSO advocates for justice and equality and confronts systemic discrimination on International Day of Education 

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 30th 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  

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