Methods to respond to intolerance, discrimination against Muslims explored at conference organized in Vienna by OSCE/ODIHR and Georgetown University

Participants in a conference held in Vienna on 18 October 2017 reviewed current manifestations of intolerance and discrimination against Muslims and related challenges across the OSCE region and explored methods for developing a comprehensive response to address these phenomena.

The event, co-organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and Georgetown University, marked the 10th anniversary of the OSCE’s Cordoba Conference and Declaration concerning intolerance, discrimination and hatred against Muslims.

The event took stock of efforts being undertaken in OSCE participating States in this regard and relevant commitments, including the implementation of educational activities to raise awareness about intolerance against Muslims and promote non-discrimination, in line with the principles of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

"This event is an opportunity to comprehensively review the current situation when it comes to the impact of hate crime and discrimination on Muslims," said Cristina Finch, head of the ODIHR Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department. "This forum will also enable us to identify good practices and solutions to help participating States address these challenges."

"The importance and significance of this conference is highlighted by elections in a number of countries, which reveal the extent to which anti-Muslim candidates and their political platforms threaten the freedoms, human rights and civil liberties of Muslim citizens and immigrants," said Tamara Sonn, Associate Director at Georgetown University’s The Bridge Initiative, a multi-year research project that connects academic study with broader public discussions on intolerance against Muslims.