[ECRI] general policy recommendation no. 5 : combating intolerance and discrimination against Muslims

Abstract

Recommends that governments ensure that Muslim communities are not discriminated against; impose sanctions in cases of discrimination; ensure that the freedom of religious practice is fully guaranteed; ascertain whether discrimination on religious grounds is practised in connection with access to citizenship; eliminate any manifestation of discrimination in access to education; combat religious discrimination in access to employment; encourage employers to implement "codes of conduct"; assess whether members of Muslim communities suffer from discrimination connected with social exclusion; examine the situation of Muslim women; ensure that curricula especially history, do not present distorted interpretations of religious and cultural history and do not portray Islam with hostility; ensure that religious instruction in schools respects cultural pluralism and make provision for teacher training; exchange views with local Muslim communities about selection and training of Imams; support voluntary dialogue at the local and national level; encourage debate within the media and advertising professions on the image which they convey of Islam and Muslim communities; provide for the monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of all measures taken.