Developing teaching resources to counter intolerance against Muslims focus of Dublin meeting co-hosted by ODIHR

Experts, officials, teachers, students, parents and representatives of the Muslim community gathered in Dublin on 27 March 2017 for the first round of consultations on developing teaching materials to counter intolerance against Muslims based on international human rights and non-discrimination standards. The meeting was organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in co-operation with the Immigrant Council of Ireland.

“We are committed to drafting hands-on resource materials that will assist teachers in exposing the devastating effects of prejudice, hatred and discrimination,” said Dermana Seta, ODIHR Adviser on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims. “Through different teaching units that address sensitive topics, these materials should serve as tools for teachers to promote tolerance, and an understanding of and respect for diversity in their students, in an easy, interesting and appealing manner.”

“These materials will give teachers and schools the means to practically tackle intolerance against Muslims,” added Brian Killoran, CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland. “Dealing with controversial issues in the classroom is delicate work and better equipping teachers by removing some of the hesitation and uncertainty about addressing the issue is an important first step towards eradicating this intolerance.”

The meeting builds on ODIHR’s Guidelines for Educators on Countering Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims, developed in partnership with the Council of Europe and UNESCO, and on the commitments made by OSCE participating States to encourage public and private educational programmes that promote tolerance and non-discrimination.