After Paris, Europe must lead the fight against Islamophobia

By grounding policies in general terms such as 'equality' and 'human rights', authorities at all levels obscure the fact that racism and Islamophobia are distinctive problems, which demand a targeted response. This approach can only lead to further racism in our schools, politics and workplaces, which in turn will deepen the racial inequalities in our society. As migration, international conflict and war spark further hate and hostility, both the UK and the EU need fresh and focused strategies to tackle the issues affecting Muslim and ethnic minority communities.

Many of the Muslims surveyed for the IHRC’s report (see related url hyperlink) voiced an urgent desire for change, and made constructive proposals about what should be done. These included calls for more effective educational interventions and interfaith work, the building of community alliances and the promotion of a new, inclusive understanding of what it means to be a citizen. Now is the moment for authorities across Europe to take note – and take action.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Letter to President François Hollande of France from European Council President Donald Tusk on the attacks in Paris / Joint statement of the Heads of State or Government and leaders of the European Union and its institutions on the terrorist attacks in Paris http://www.europeansources.info/record/countries-rethink-commitments-to-accept-refugees/

ESO: Background information: Paris attacks: Why France must avoid viewing its Muslim population as a security threat http://www.europeansources.info/record/paris-attacks-why-france-must-avoid-viewing-its-muslim-population-as-a-security-threat/

ESO: Background information: Germany is in great need of a meaningful discussion about Islamophobia http://www.europeansources.info/record/germany-is-in-great-need-of-a-meaningful-discussion-about-islamophobia/

Islamic Human Rights Council (IHRC): Environment of Hate: The New Normal for Muslims in the UK, November 2015 http://www.ihrc.org.uk/attachments/article/11559/Executive%20Summary-UK-ll-02.pdf

Blog: LSE EuroppBlog, 18.11.15: There is no ‘Belgian problem’ with radical Islam – only a European one http://bit.ly/1l3ptqI

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