About Us

Structure and functioning of directing bodies:

On 18th of December 2010, participants from various countries gathered in The Hague, in The Netherlands, to discuss the idea of creating a vibrant network with the involvement and support of other similar-minded stakeholders. Their belief was that a fuller and better participation of Muslim communities in the societies in which they live requires a new thinking, extra resources and closer cooperation through an in-depth consultation process. It was also mentioned at the meeting that an active participation of Muslim minorities in all spheres of their new homes would make true mutual integration possible, where sense of belonging and judicial protection would be facilitated. A decision was taken to call the new organization European Muslim Initiative for Social Cohesion – EMISCO. The initiative is an independent, non-religious, non-party political and non-governmental body.

Aims

 

  • Striving to achieve meaningful inter-ethnic, inter-faith and inter-cultural dialogue and cooperation in Europe and combating all forms and manifestations of discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes including combating Islamophobia.

 

  • Lobbying the Muslim communities to take a clear and strong position against extremism, violence and terrorism under any pretext.

 

  • Working closely with the media, politicians and authorities to highlight and facilitate the legitimate needs and fundamental rights of ethnic and religious minorities.

 

  • Aiming to create cohesive societies and in that respect learning and mastering the local language and obtaining good education.

 

  • Accepting and respecting the social order and the constitution of the land.

 

  • Integrating as equal citizens to the new environment where they live and creating good relationships with the neighbours and their surroundings.

 

  • Recognizing cultural diversity as enrichment for Europe which would facilitate advancement of human rights and solidarity for the common good of the societies.

 

  • Showing respect to fellow human beings while practicing their religion freely.

 

  • Advocating unbiased political and media discourse.

 

  • Assisting in participatory democratic processes, voting rights and citizenship, and advising their fellow citizens in those respects.

 

Activities of our INGO

 

EMISCO organizes events that deal with human rights issues such as anti-Muslim hate crimes, racism, and minority rights and takes a proactive approach to promoting social cohesion.

Constituency

EMISCO has the support of and works in partnership with civil society organisations dealing with human rights issues such as European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), EU Fundamental Rights Agency, ODIHR, ENAR, CEJI, UNIW, Fair International, ThinkOut and the International University of Sarajevo.

Board Members

Member
Status
Location
Lord Nazir AHMEDChairEngland
Mr. Bashy QURAISHYSecretary GeneralDenmark
Mrs. Humeyra FILIZTreasurer and CoordinatorFrance
Amb. Ömür ORHUNAssessor and Member of the Executive BureauTurkey
Prof. Bülent SENAYAssessorTurkey
Mr. Tarafa BAGHAJATIAssessorAustria
Dr. Suleyman BAKIAssessorMacedonia
Mrs. Pervin CHAIROULAAssessorGreece
Mrs. Ediba RIZVANBEGOVICAssessorBosnia and Herzegovina
Mr Yasser LOUATIAssessorFrance
Mr. Zaheer AHMADAssessorUK
Mrs. Rukhsana YAQOOBAssessorUK
 Mrs. Rokhaya DIALLOAssessorFrance
Prof. Aristotle KALLISAssessorUK
Mr. Fatih FILIZDirector of YouthFrance
Mr. Doudou DIENEHonorary ChairFrance

 

Number of members: 1801 (04/12/2016)

Modalities of co-operation

EMISCO could contribute to the activities of your organization and to the promotion of its values which are the same with its own values through organising and supporting events that address issues concerning human rights and democracy as well as social cohesion. This is achieved through symposiums as well as the expertise of EMISCO members. Please refer to question 8 concerning EMISCO activities.
EMISCO will continue to promote the work and values of your organization through symposiums and events and by producing material that address human rights issues, social cohesion and promote participatory democracy. These objectives will be achieved by working in partnership with civil society organisations that share a similar vision, educational institutions and local communities.

Geographical representation:

Europe
AustriaBelgiumBosnia and HerzegovinaBulgariaDenmarkFranceGeorgiaGermanyGreeceRussian FederationSwitzerlandTurkeyUnited Kingdom“The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”
World level
AfricaCentral AsiaMiddle East