Inclusion of Muslim communities and prevention of discrimination in cities

1. Inclusion of Muslim communities and prevention of discrimination in cities E U R O C I T I E S W O R K I N G G R O U P M I G R A T I O N & I N T E G R A T I O N A N T W E R P, 14th June 2019

2. A Commission coordinator on combating anti-Muslim hatred Why? • Widespread intolerance and negative attitudes towards Muslims or individual perceived as being Muslims (1/3 of the MS more than 50% would not want a Muslim as member of their family) • Growing rate of racist hate crimes motivated by religious/ethnic intolerance (physical attacks to women wearing headscarves, attacks to mosques, etc) • Discrimination (in access to jobs, services, education, in the workplace) on grounds of religion affecting in particular Muslim women • Victimisation and perception of discriminationmayfosterexclusionlack of trust, and marginalisation • Need a coordinated policy response at European level: in 2015 the office of the Coordinator was established

3. A Commission coordinator on combating anti-Muslim hatred (2) What? • Tacklinganti-Muslimhate crime, includingsupportingvictims to report, strenghtening data collection • Discrimination including in the field of employment and occupation and promotion of diversity and social inclusion • Hate speech online and the negative narratives on Muslims in the media and in the political discourse • Promote inter-faith dialogue, education on tolerance, training and awarenessraising How? • Policy initiatives jointly with civil society and Member States authorities (e.g. to step up data recording on Islamophobic hate crimes) • Funding (on anti-racism, education, employment, migration/integration)

4. The role of cities and local governments • In particular on prevention policies and policies aiming to strengthen social ties, inclusion and diversity, cities have a key role to play. • Inclusion of Muslims in the local communities is a priority for many mayors and city authorities: • Foster social cohesion, inclusion of the various minority groups and communities, and integration of newcomers • Tackle risks of marginalisation, exclusion, tensions between majority and minority population (and radicalism) • Cities have crucial competences in key areas of public policy and services where diversity policies may apply (schools, public services) -->Exchanging good practices amongst cities and a dedicate work stream within EUROCITIES could make a change!

5. Achieving progress on the ground: possible way ahead • 25th June 2019: EU Workshop in Madrid on fostering synergies between public authorities and civil society, local dimension expected to emerge as a priority (Barcelona and Amsterdam cities will be represented) • Enhance Eurocities / European Commission partnership to foster a regular exchange and discussions on tackling anti-Muslim hatred in particular to: • Share good/innovative practices to promote diversity and inclusion of Muslims • Make recommendations or toolkits available on tackling Islamophobia • Run campaigns, education activities or awareness raising initiatives on diversity at the local level • How to mainstream the focus on the local dimension in relevant EU funds (e.g. for the upcoming calls of the Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme 2020)

6. In the immediate future: • The Commission can transmit via EUROCITIES all relevant information initiatives by the Coordinator and about opening funding opportunities for projects involving cities • A dedicated session to share good practices on inclusion of Muslims and promotion of diversity at the next EUROCITIES migration and integration WG meetings?  Other ideas or partners to involve? • Additional resources: • Summary report of the 3 December 2019 High level conference on tackling intolerance and discrimination against Muslims in the EU • Website of the Commission coordinator on combating anti-Muslim hatred • Commission Staff Working Document on Countering racism and xenophobia in the EU – Fostering a society where pluralism, tolerance and non-discrimination prevail