Islamophobia can be defined as the fear of or prejudiced viewpoint towards Islam, Muslims and matters pertaining to them. Whether it takes the shape of daily forms of racism and discrimination or more violent forms, Islamophobia is a violation of human rights and a threat to social cohesion. Young people are of course not immune to this. Young men and women are obviously affected when they become targets of Islamophobic attacks and abuse. But, just as importantly, they are also concerned by the general rise in discrimination and xenophobia, whether it be active or passive. At this seminar held in Budapest in June 2004, Islamophobia was discussed within the wider context of racism and discrimination in Europe, in new and old forms. The discussions also covered the troubling resurgence of Anti-Semitic attacks, Romaphobia and segregation of Roma communities and persistent forms of discrimination against visible minorities.The report of Ingrid Ramberg provides a personal account of the issues raised at the seminar as well as a very useful documentation of the presentations, workshops and debates. It also includes a series of policy recommendations aimed at preventing Islamophobia and fostering intercultural respect and coopération.
Contents
Introduction – Questions about the Question
Foreword by the General Rapporteur
Conclusions by the General Rapporteur
Background and objectives of the seminar
Introductory Speech by Ms Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni
Opening statement by Ms Mariam Yassin
The Council of Europe and the work against Islamophobia: Existing instruments and standards by Mr François Sant’Angelo
Islamophobia in Europe: from the Christian anti-Muslim prejudice to a modern form of racism, keynote speech by Mr Vincent Geisser
Islam in the Media. A pathway to Islamophobia? by Mr Michael Privot
On the origin of images – personal reflection by Ms Dympna SmithWorking groups on manifestations, causes, and factors of Islamophobia
What is a European Muslim identity? – Ms Henrietta Szovati talking with Mr Zijad Imamovic
On Islamophobia in Eastern Europe from a paper by Mr György Lederer
Romaphobia – introduction and workshop
Anti-Semitism – introduction and workshop
Racism towards visible minorities – introduction and workshop
Islamophobia and its consequences on young men by Mr Farid Abdelkrim
Islamophobia and its consequences on young women by Ms Hadia Himmat
I find my own way of life – personal reflection by Ms Fatma Nur Zengin
Practicing or moderate? Why should I need to choose? – personal reflection by Mr Nedzad Cengic
Personal encounters as a way to better understanding
Examples of good practises with introductions from Ms Corinne Grassi, Mr Omer Khorrum Anis, Mr Sanil Modessa, Ms Antonella Aduso and Ms Hazel Baird
Recommendations
Closing words by the General Rapporteur
Further readings
Participants
Programme
Islamophobia can be defined as the fear of or prejudiced viewpoint towards Islam, Muslims and matters pertaining to them. Whether it takes the shape of daily forms of racism and discrimination or more violent forms, Islamophobia is a violation of human rights and a threat to social cohesion. Young people are of course not immune to this. Young men and women are obviously affected when they become targets of Islamophobic attacks and abuse. But, just as importantly, they are also concerned by the general rise in discrimination and xenophobia, whether it be active or passive. At this seminar held in Budapest in June 2004, Islamophobia was discussed within the wider context of racism and discrimination in Europe, in new and old forms. The discussions also covered the troubling resurgence of Anti-Semitic attacks, Romaphobia and segregation of Roma communities and persistent forms of discrimination against visible minorities.The report of Ingrid Ramberg provides a personal account of the issues raised at the seminar as well as a very useful documentation of the presentations, workshops and debates. It also includes a series of policy recommendations aimed at preventing Islamophobia and fostering intercultural respect and coopération.
