OSCE's human rights body supports launch of guide aiming to reduce prejudice against Muslims in Spain

MADRID, 20 April 2009 - The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Casa Arabe Consortium today launched the Reference Guide on Muslims in Spain, a book that aims to raise awareness about anti-Muslim prejudices and stereotypes. 

Ambassador Janez Lenarcic, the Director of ODIHR, said stereotypes portraying Muslims as a "monolithic block that constitutes a threat to national security and identity" lead to alienation, discrimination and exclusion from society, which in turn posed a serious threat to social cohesion, human rights and democracy.

"Therefore, it is essential to promote a better understanding of Muslims across the OSCE region, and to use educational and awareness-raising tools for this purpose," he said.

"Many OSCE participating States are facing the challenge of managing the integration of Muslim populations, and in particular the increasing anti-Muslim hostility leading to violence as a reaction to certain international events over the last decade."

The Reference Guide on Muslims in Spain, developed by Casa Arabe in co-operation with ODIHR, is the first in a series of resource tools designed to raise awareness of anti-Muslim prejudices and stereotypes. Designed for media professionals, educators and public officials, it includes information on the historical background, demographic structure, diversity and contributions of Spanish Muslims. It also addresses the use of images, language and terminology to avoid stereotypes and generalizations.

Gema Martin Munos, the Director of Casa Arabe, said the Reference Guide aimed "to offer readers a better understanding of the multifaceted realities of Spanish Muslims."

"Islam has been an integral part of European history since the Middle Ages. Muslims are an important part of modern European societies in both number - around 20 million - and nationality - many are European citizens - as they have been throughout history," she said.

The work to create the Reference Guide was part of ODIHR's education programme on tolerance and non-discrimination.