WUNRN
Dear Members of the European Parliament,
European Forum of Muslim Women (EFOMW), notes with deep
concern, the obsessive debate, the media onslaught and political machinations
in regard of the handling of veil issue.
Indeed, the over-coverage of full veil case, despite its marginal nature, maintains an unhealthy atmosphere.
European societies are now facing countless social and
economic problems, which require rapid response. In this context, EFOMW regrets
using the case of full veil to hide the most important challenges such as
unemployment, social injustice, discrimination and environmental protection.
The mass
hysteria that has gripped this case reinforces once again the feeling of
stigmatization of the Muslim community in Europe. In addition to series of
polygamy and female circumcision, the case of the veil appears timely as a new
opportunity to demonstrate the alleged incompatibility of all Muslims with
modernity while, far from exclusive to Islam, these issues concern only a tiny
part of them.
More importantly, this analysis is erroneous
justification for the enactment of special legislations. Besides ignoring
fundamental freedoms, these legislations are useless and dangerous. The example
of the full veil is in this connection explicit many questions: what need can
there be to discuss the religious legitimacy of the "Niqab"? Why to
pass mere security legislation that is targeting a specific category in the
society, while the general security law is already existed? This attitude is
not only unnecessary but also harmful and dangerous.
In fact, emphasizing the injustice and the stigma of European
Muslims reinforces the extremist temptations everywhere, which was established
by the alarming rise of Islamophobia in Europe, and grows to higher withdrawal
reflex Community among Muslim
populations.
EFOMW do not deny the need for internal debate
among European Muslims about the religious legitimacy of the full veil, but
considering this debate - which already exists - must be done without
interference of politician.
Furthermore, we believe that the dignity of women has been
regrettably reduced in clothing or appearance. However, we are convinced that
the question of the dignity of women - not just Muslims - is a major issue and
we are pleased that this issue is finally listed in politics. Indeed, the
situation of women victims of domestic violence, pimping, sexual harassment or
even social violence (women are single parents with little means) is simply
unbearable.
EFOMW works for protecting the rights of
all women and call all those concerned with women rights and political
affiliation, for a dispassionate and open debate on the status of women and all
for the general well-being.
It is the duty and responsibility of politicians
and all members of civil society to work to preserve our society from all
violations that threats its stability and cohesion with a great respect for
freedom and diversity.
Noura Jaballah
President
11/05/2010
EFOMW, 51 rue du Trône, 1050 Bruxelles - Tél./Fax : + 32 2 5123803
info@efomw.eu - www.efomw.eu