Effective teaching strategies needed to counter intolerance, say participants at international meeting on discrimination against Muslims

5 July 2013

Participants noted the important role teachers play in promoting respect for diversity among younger generations. (OSCE/Vitaliy Ovsyannikov/Ukraine) Photo details

Education is crucial in countering intolerance and negative stereotyping of Muslims, participants concluded at a meeting in Strasbourg on 5 July 2013 that was attended by more than 30 experts on education and officials from across the OSCE region.

The event, which was organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), UNESCO and the Council of Europe, highlighted effective education policies and strategies that can challenge anti-Muslim prejudices and promote mutual understanding in society.

“In societies that are culturally and religiously diverse, teachers play an important role in transferring knowledge and skills to younger generations about respecting people from different backgrounds, religions and beliefs,” said Adil Akhmetov, the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims.

Participants also discussed the recommendations contained in the Guidelines for Educators on Countering Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims: Addressing Islamophobia through Education, which were published jointly by ODIHR, UNESCO and the Council of Europe in 2011.

“These Guidelines can help educators adopt a more balanced, objective and professional approach when teaching about religious and cultural diversity,” said Taskin Tankut Soykan, ODIHR Adviser on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims.

Sjur Bergan, of the Council of Europe, said: “There is a need for sustained dialogue among different communities in order to prevent any escalation of tensions, and the Guidelines can serve as a useful educational tool for promoting dialogue.”

The event was the third in a series of roundtable meetings co-organized by ODIHR, UNESCO and the Council of Europe to raise awareness for the need to counter intolerance and discrimination against Muslims and promote mutual understanding through education.