Islamophobic incidents have steadily increased in Council of Europe member States in the last few years. Prejudice against Muslims permeates European societies, with large sections of the population believing that Islam is not “compatible with European values” according to several surveys. This and other misconceptions are systematically instrumentalised by racist and xenophobic movements, which trigger division within society and sow the seeds of hate for political gain. Furthermore, this discourse tends to spread from extremist movements to mainstream political parties.
Considering the increasing intolerance and discrimination faced by Muslims in Europe, the Parliamentary Assembly should take stock of the situation and suggest adequate countermeasures consistent with Council of Europe antidiscrimination standards, including Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights and its additional Protocol No.12, as well as ECRI General Policy Recommendation No. 5 on Combating intolerance and discrimination against Muslims and No.15 on Combating Hate Speech.
Islamophobia should be prevented and opposed in all Council of Europe member States by addressing its root causes, including cultural preconceptions, negative stereotyping and defamation. Particular attention should be paid to ideological Islamophobia and anti-Muslim rhetoric in politics.
Islamophobic hate speech and incitation to discrimination should be countered effectively, its victims protected and perpetrators prosecuted. Information and awareness-raising activities should be promoted to counter cultural bias against Muslims. Legislation and policies should be enforced effectively to foster inclusion.
The Assembly and other bodies within the Council of Europe should carry out specific information and awareness raising activities focusing on Islamophobia and the need to address it.