Confronting Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims in Public Discourse

OSCE participating States recognize that manifestations of discrimination and intolerance threaten the security of individuals and may give rise to wider-scale conflict and violence that undermine international stability and security. Today, there are a broad range of commitments to combat racism, xenophobia, discrimination, and intolerance, including against Muslims, Christians, and Jews, as well as commitments related to preventing and responding to hate crimes. Despite these efforts, anti-Muslim expressions in political discourse and the media continue to be a serious matter of concern.

The purpose of this meeting is to explore the role that media and political representatives can play in promoting non-discrimination, mutual understanding and respect for diversity; it also aims to raise awareness of the extent of anti-Muslim expressions in public discourse and its impact on both individual security and social cohesion. Finally, the meeting will identify practical measures and good practice for participating States.

A new set of Guidelines for Educators to combat anti-Muslim prejudice, developed jointly by ODIHR, UNESCO and Council of Europe, will be also introduced during the opening session.
 

The working languages of the meeting will be English and Russian. Civil society members are welcome to participate.

Meeting registration will begin on September 15, 2011. The deadline for registration has been extended until October 27, 2011.