A growing number of young European Muslims often find themselves caught between their faith and the social expectations placed on them to be “discreet” with their religious practices.
Objectives of the seminar
To explore the concept of Islamophobia and its relevance in Europe today;
To share and analyse the realities and manifestations of Islamophobia and discrimination faced by young Muslims across the Member States of the Council of Europe;
To examine the perceptions and the manifestations of Islamophobia in today’s societies;
To collect examples of good practice in overcoming prejudice and promoting inter-community relations and inter-religious co-operation with young people;
To identify criteria for good practices on intercultural and inter-religious youth work;
To identify strategies and approaches to prevent Islamophobia and its consequences on young people;
To examine similar forms of racial discrimination and intolerance involving young people, such as: Anti-Semitism, Romaphobia and racism against visible minorities;
To raise awareness of Islamophobia and mobilise institutions and organisations active against discrimination in the fight against it;
To propose measures for political and educational action aimed at increasing understanding and respect for religious diversity among young people in Europe;
To promote co-operation between Muslim and other young people and faith-based youth organisations in Europe;
To explore the local reality in Budapest in relation to the topic of the seminar.
Methodology and programme of the seminar
The programme of the seminar is being developed in a way that allows an exchange of realities and problems faced by young people in relation to Islamophobia and other forms of discrimination as well as examples of good practice. It also seeks to explore the reality and the relevance of the concept of Islamophobia in the work for equality and against discrimination. Plenary sessions will therefore alternate with working groups and practical workshops where it is expected that the experiences and concerns of young people will be discussed in more depth. The seminar will build on principles of non-formal education applied in education and training activities of the Directorate of Youth and Sport and will therefore carry an in-built component of intercultural learning and active participation. The social and cultural environment of Budapest will be used to get to know the multicultural reality of the city and to give a practical meaning to the work of the seminar.
The seminar will propose recommendations and guidelines for action by institutions and organisations concerned.
More information: Seminar Islamophobia
