Warsaw, Poland | 7–9 October 2026
The European Muslim Initiative for Social Cohesion (EMISCO) actively participated in the 2026 Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), through a three-day programme of international advocacy, high-level meetings, diplomatic exchanges and civil society cooperation.
The EMISCO delegation was composed of Bashy Quraishy, Secretary General; Veysel Filiz, Spokesperson; and Malika Allabergenova, Board Member responsible for Women’s Issues.
Throughout the conference, the delegation engaged with international institutions, diplomatic representatives, human rights experts and civil society organizations, reaffirming EMISCO’s longstanding commitment to combating discrimination, promoting freedom of religion or belief, protecting fundamental rights and strengthening peaceful coexistence across the OSCE region.
EMISCO International Side Event: Human Rights, Discrimination and the Normalization of Impunity
On 8 October 2026, EMISCO organized an International Side Event at the Sofitel Warsaw Victoria Hotel, bringing together prominent human rights advocates, academics and representatives of international civil society organizations.
The event addressed the growing challenges posed by racism, Islamophobia, xenophobia, religious discrimination and the normalization of human rights violations.
Moderated by Bashy Quraishy, EMISCO Secretary General and former President of the European Network Against Racism (ENAR), the event featured presentations and contributions from:
- Jean-Marie Heydt – Honorary President of the Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe.
- Thierry Valle – President of CAP Freedom of Conscience.
- Veysel Filiz – EMISCO Spokesperson.
- Malika Allabergenova – EMISCO Board Member responsible for Women’s Issues.
- Gregory Christensen – Director of Youth for Human Rights Denmark.
- Dr. Rafał Pankowski – Civitas University, Warsaw, and the Never Again Association.
The speakers examined the consequences of discriminatory political narratives, the rise of intolerance and the increasing challenges faced by individuals and communities seeking equal protection of their fundamental rights.
Particular attention was given to the situation of women, the protection of religious freedoms, the consequences of hate speech and the importance of ensuring accountability for human rights violations.
In his contribution entitled “Our New Normal: Violation of Human Rights in Total Impunity,” Veysel Filiz addressed the growing distance between international human rights commitments and their effective implementation.
The discussions highlighted the urgent need for stronger institutional responses, closer international cooperation and sustained engagement with independent civil society organizations.
The event was organized with the cooperation and participation of EMISCO’s international partners, including CAP Freedom of Conscience, Youth for Human Rights Denmark, the Never Again Association and AYF.
EMISCO Addresses the OSCE Plenary Session on Tolerance and Non-Discrimination
On the same day, EMISCO participated in Plenary Session 4: Tolerance and Non-Discrimination I, held within the official framework of the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference.
Speaking on behalf of EMISCO, Veysel Filiz addressed the persistent challenges of racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance and discrimination across the OSCE region.
The intervention highlighted the widening gap between commitments undertaken by participating States and the realities experienced by communities exposed to discrimination, exclusion and hate-motivated violence.
Special attention was devoted to the situation of Muslim women and girls, particularly those facing discrimination because of their religious identity or visible religious expression.
EMISCO emphasized that freedom of religion or belief, equality before the law and human dignity must remain universal principles, protected regardless of political developments or changes in government.
The organization also called for stronger preventive measures, including enhanced training for law enforcement officials, prosecutors and judges, as well as more effective institutional responses to hate crimes and discriminatory practices.
The statement reaffirmed EMISCO’s conviction that meaningful progress requires not only political commitments but also their consistent implementation, accountability and genuine cooperation with independent civil society.
Meeting with ODIHR’s Head of Tolerance and Non-Discrimination
An important part of EMISCO’s engagement in Warsaw was a meeting with Pierre Baussand, Head of the Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department at OSCE/ODIHR.
The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on contemporary challenges relating to intolerance, discrimination, anti-Muslim hatred and the protection of fundamental rights throughout the OSCE region.
Discussions also addressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between international institutions and civil society, particularly in the areas of monitoring discrimination, preventing hate crimes, promoting freedom of religion or belief and improving institutional responses.
EMISCO reiterated its willingness to contribute its longstanding experience and civil society perspective to initiatives aimed at translating international human rights commitments into tangible improvements for affected communities.
Diplomatic Exchanges and International Civil Society Cooperation
Beyond its participation in the official conference sessions and the organization of its International Side Event, the EMISCO delegation conducted a series of diplomatic exchanges and meetings with representatives of international organizations, participating States and civil society networks.
These discussions provided opportunities to share concerns about emerging human rights challenges, explore possibilities for future cooperation and reinforce dialogue between institutional stakeholders and independent civil society actors.
The delegation emphasized the importance of maintaining open channels of communication with diplomatic missions and international human rights mechanisms, particularly at a time when fundamental freedoms and democratic principles face increasing challenges.
The Warsaw meetings also contributed to strengthening existing partnerships and identifying opportunities for coordinated advocacy, institutional dialogue and future joint initiatives.
EMISCO Board Meeting and Future Priorities
During its presence in Warsaw, EMISCO also held a Board Meeting on 7 October 2026, bringing together its leadership to review ongoing activities, assess recent international developments and discuss the organization’s strategic priorities.
The discussions focused on strengthening EMISCO’s institutional engagement, expanding cooperation with international organizations, and preparing future initiatives within the frameworks of the OSCE, the United Nations and other European and international human rights mechanisms.
Particular attention was given to reinforcing the organization’s advocacy work, increasing the visibility of discrimination affecting vulnerable communities and promoting more effective participation of civil society in international decision-making processes.
Renewing the Commitment to Universal Human Rights
EMISCO’s participation in the 2026 Warsaw Human Dimension Conference represented another important step in its sustained engagement with European and international human rights institutions.
Through its contributions to the official plenary discussions, the organization of an International Side Event, meetings with ODIHR representatives and diplomatic exchanges, EMISCO reaffirmed its determination to promote equality, freedom of religion or belief, non-discrimination and respect for human dignity.
The organization stressed that human rights must remain universal, indivisible and effectively protected, regardless of political circumstances, religious identity or social background.
EMISCO will continue working with international institutions, diplomatic partners and independent civil society organizations to ensure that commitments to tolerance, equality and fundamental freedoms are translated into concrete and lasting action.
EMISCO at the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference 2026
