WUNRN
ECRI Report on BELGIUM - 2013, Published 2014
Also
Via Human Rights Without Frontiers
Center
for Equality 30-Page 2014 Report in FRENCH:
CEJI - Jewish
Contribution to an Inclusive Europe
"OBSESSION
WITH THE HEADSCARF WORKS NEGATIVELY ON THE INTEGRATION OF MUSLIM WOMEN"
Brussels,
26 February 2014 - EJI - A Jewish Contribution to an Inclusive
Europe is deeply troubled by escalating racism and racial tensions in Belgium,
highlighted in reports issued this week by the European Commission against
Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) (1) and by the Center for Equal Opportunities and
Opposition to Racism submitted to the United Nations Committee on Racial
Discrimination (CERD) (2).
CEJI
is deeply concerned about the division within the Belgian anti-racism movement
today on the Muslim headscarf. CEJI believes strongly in the fundamental right
of religious freedom and sees more harm than good coming out of this obsession
with the Muslim headscarf. Not only has this obsession had negative
consequences on the integration of Muslim women in the education and employment
system of Belgium, but it also has had a serious impact on the freedom of Jews,
Sikhs, Hindus and even Christians to wear relgio-cultural dress and symbols.
Neutrality is defined only by what is considered an acceptable norm, and we are
challenged to re-consider how to make our public space effectively inclusive.
Social coercion to wear or not to wear the headscarf is counterproductive to
the goal of women’s emancipation.
CEJI’s
Director Robin Sclafani says:
There is a great irony in the debate on the headscarf and this expression of islamophobia. Muslims are criticized for oppressing women, and yet secular society is doing just that by forbidding women’s participation because of their clothing. At the same time, Muslim women are the biggest victims of anti-Muslim hate crime. Why, if we are so concerned about the emancipation of Muslim women, are they becoming the worst victims of gendered racism? This is a call for all of us to hold up a mirror to our own unconscious biases in relation to gender, “race” and religion. We need not be afraid to lose our own identity and rights by recognizing others’.
In
order to achieve a truly inclusive and non-discriminatory society, we must work
together across sectors to confront prejudice and hatred of all kinds. Bigotry
breeds anger and more bigotry. There is deep concern about anti-Semitism and
homophobia in Muslim as well as non-Muslim communities. How can we expect a
change when we find rights-based hypocrisy throughout the majority as well as
minority communities? The best way to challenge any form of hatred is by
demonstrating inclusion from the highest political levels to the grassroots.
Legislation,
government policies and monitoring bodies are essential, and therefore CEJI
echoes the recommendations of ECRI and the CERD to take the necessary steps in
these areas. CEJI also wants to draw attention to the absolutely critical role
of training for social transformation. Decision-makers and policy implementers
need to confront their own prejudices and deeply grapple with the issues in order
to effectively reverse the tide of racism and xenophobia which is plaguing
Belgium and many other European nations. Training can assist with the process
of unlearning prejudice as well as develop competences and strategies that can
create inclusive societies where people can enjoy their full potential with all
their diversity.
About
CEJI:
CEJI – A Jewish Contribution to an Inclusive Europe stands with individuals and
organisations of all religions, cultures and backgrounds to promote a diverse
and inclusive Europe. CEJI works to combat prejudice and discrimination and to
promote social cohesion through training and education, dialogue initiatives
and advocacy at a European level. www.ceji.org