Overcoming Islamophobia

On 13th July 2014 by Mark Walters

19-24 October 2014

http://www.belieforama.eu/trainings/overcoming-islamophobia

Islamophobia, or hatred of Muslims, has only recently become widely recognised. However, this phenomenon has existed since the beginning of Islam as a hostility that surfaced in literature, poetry, the visual arts, church sermons, poetry and in military campaigns. The recent recognition and identification of islamophobia means that comparatively little data is available on it (in contrast to antisemitism which has been well-documented for centuries).

However, there can be no denying that the position of Muslims in European societies is under extreme pressure due to inflammatory discourse. Moreover, public opinion is often fed with generalised and prejudicial messages about Islam and its followers.

The objectives of the ‘Overcoming Islamophobia’ training programme are to:

• increase awareness of Muslim people and culture and Islam as a religion
• develop an appreciation for the contribution of Muslim people to European society
• explore contemporary and historical manifestations of islamophobia and racism against Muslims
• develop individual skills and institutional strategies for recognising and confronting prejudice and discrimination against Muslims
• and to encourage people and institutions to work together and share responsibility for creating inclusive environments.