Purpose

EMISCO submits this position for discussion with participating States and civil society at the 2026 Warsaw Human Dimension Conference. We call for a measurable response to anti-Muslim hatred and discrimination, grounded in equal dignity, freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression, and effective remedies. Our central concern is that normalisation of hostile rhetoric and a real or perceived lack of accountability can reinforce one another.

The institutional warning and EMISCO’s perspective

The statement of 15 March 2026 describes physical violence, threats and attacks on property affecting Muslims. It notes threats and assaults against women, intolerance directed at children and young people, and attacks against worshippers that interfere with freedom of religion or belief. It says anti-Muslim hatred can damage social cohesion and security. These observations do not, by themselves, establish a uniform trend in every country or prove the outcome of any individual case. They do require a serious response.

Normalisation and perceived impunity

Repeated collective blame and dehumanising language can lower social restraint. Public rhetoric can shape the climate in which decisions are made. When a victim reports a threat but sees no follow-up, a perception of impunity may grow even where formal laws exist. We urge States to test this concern through transparent data on reporting, investigation, remedies and victims’ trust.

Everyday equality and visible identity

The problem may appear in a job interview, a classroom, access to housing, public transport or online services. Muslim women who wear a headscarf may face particular exposure. Responses must cover equality in services and employment, education, freedom of religion or belief, protection from violence and support for victims, and should be designed with the people affected.

Freedom of expression and equal protection

States should distinguish protected expression from threats and from incitement that meets the relevant legal threshold, while countering harmful stereotypes through leadership, education and more speech. They must apply the same standards to all communities.

From earlier recommendations to implementation

EMISCO’s 2016 recommendations called for specific data, practical prevention and response, safeguards against security measures directed at religious or ethnic groups, cooperation with civil society, stronger attention to discrimination against Muslims, monitoring, victim assistance and independent civil society capacity. The 2026 statement is a reason to renew that agenda and ask what has actually been implemented.

Requests to participating States and relevant institutions

  1. Public leadership: condemn anti-Muslim threats, collective blame and dehumanisation consistently. Protect debate and religious criticism while applying the law to threats, incitement and violence through fair procedures.
  2. Reliable recording and accountability: train police and prosecutors, record religion-related motives, publish data and outcomes, and assess reporting gaps and confidence in authorities.
  3. Accessible remedies: ensure effective routes to challenge discrimination in education, employment, housing and public services, with clear information, reasonable timelines and victim support.
  4. Protection in daily life: strengthen measures against attacks on worshippers and religious sites, and address discrimination in services, housing, education, employment and online environments.
  5. Education and counter-narratives: invest in education and media literacy, support positive engagement, and challenge harmful stereotypes with the participation of Muslim communities.
  6. Engagement with civil society: work with independent organisations, including EMISCO, ensure safe and meaningful participation, and support research, monitoring and victim assistance.

Our vision

A more inclusive, safe and cohesive region, where Muslims and all communities can live with equal dignity, without fear or discrimination, and where commitments are matched by concrete action and accountability.

Veysel FilizEMISCO Spokesperson
Warsaw 2026