Bruxelles, 18/01/2017
Press release following the High Level Forum on
Anti-Muslim Discrimination and Hatred
The European Union, together with Canada, the Organisation
of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United States, co-organised at the United
Nations headquarters a High Level Forum on Combating Anti-Muslim Discrimination
and Hatred on 17 January in New York.
The Forum sought to voice concerns about the rising tide of
discrimination and violence specifically targeting populations of Muslim origin
in Europe and worldwide and look for joint responses.
The High Representative/Vice President Federica Mogherini
said: “When one minority comes under attack, everyone’s freedom is at stake.
When people are discriminated because they are Muslims, or Jews, or for their
ideas – it is not only a violation of their human rights, but an attack against
the very fabric of our societies. This is true in Europe just like everywhere
else: only inclusive societies can be strong and resilient.”
The event opened with messages from UN Secretary-General
António Guterres, UN General Assembly President Peter Thomson, and
representatives from the EU, the USA, Canada and the OIC. The EU was
represented by Special Representative for Human Rights Stavros Lambrinidis. The
European Commission Coordinator on Combating anti-Muslim hatred, David
Friggieri, and the Coordinator of the European Parliament Anti-Racism and
Diversity Intergroup, Alfiaz Vaiya, also addressed the Forum.
Ambassadors, civil servants and non-governmental
organisations all underlined that combating discrimination and hatred against
Muslims was an essential part of efforts to uphold universal human rights.
The Forum’s main message was to promote diversity as a
richness instead of a threat, to fight against all forms of discrimination, and
to build bridges between different communities – religious and otherwise.
Organisers and participants agreed states, international institutions and
non-governmental organisations must work together to offer holistic responses –
across entire societies – to discrimination and hatred at the international,
regional and national levels.
Over 300 participants attended the event.