The first founding meeting of EMISCO was called in April 2010 but unfortunately, the spread of the Icelandic ash cloud over all Europe forced us to cancel the meeting. Because most invitees could not avail the flights that meeting could not be carried out. COJEP and EMISCO then decided that we should try again to call a smaller meeting on 18th December 2010 to set the wheels in motion. Once again, the nature intervened in the shape of a heavy snowstorm, which resulted in the shutting down of the most airports in the Western Europe.
EMISCO's 10 objectives, which would be the guiding principles of the organization in its efforts to achieve a 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 is its Manifesto.
EMISCO would have its own profile and act as an independent NGO. It will be registered in Denmark or France. Appealing to the likeminded persons through its present members to join the organization. There is already a list of nearly 35 prominent personalities in Europe, which have been contacted by the Executive Bureau in the last months and who have given their blessing and support to the initiative. This list will be upgraded regularly with new members. It was agreed that both individuals and NGOs can be members as long as they abide by the aims and vision of EMISCO.
The areas of work for the initiative would be developed according to the need and situation but combating Islamophobia would be the top priority, through awareness raising campaigns, seminars, conferences, publications, press releases, statements, working with international organizations and close interaction with Muslim communities.
The possibility of EMISCO as a Think Tank and the importance of media centres to counter Islamophobia and take part in public debates in major European cities were also discussed. Here it was emphasized that youth with Muslim background should be encouraged to be part of the initiative.
EMISCO has already been active on the international scene for many months. As an NGO, it has participated in various seminars and conferences in Istanbul (media and Islam), European Parliament in Strasbourg (Inclusive Europe), UN- Geneva (Radicalization and democracy) and OSCE conference in Astana (Definition of Islamophobia) as well as was partner in arranging 2 side events in OSCE meetings in Warsaw. It was also mentioned that EMISCO would take part in the award giving Ceremony to the winner of the best Minaret in Europe to be held in Bradford - UK on 20 January. Another activity, EMISCO is invited to is: Symposium on the "Western Democracies and Muslim communities" to be held in Ankara on 18th February 2011.
It was also decided that EMISCO should register with EU, COE, FRA, OIC, Anna Lindth Foundation, OSCE/ODIHR, Alliance of civilizations and all other organizations, which work with inter-faith and inter-cultural living. All members are welcome to inform Bashy and Veysel of such organizations, they know of or will come to know in the future. It was also decided that a press release of the founding meeting would be sent to all the NGOs, individuals and contacts, we have.
Governing Board of EMISCO:
Mr. Doudou DIENE - Chair (France)
Mrs. Tuba BOZ - Vice Chair (Bosnia-Herzegovina)
Mr. Bashy QURAISHY - Secretary General (Denmark)
Mr. Veysel FILIZ - Treasurer (France)
Mr. Ömür ORHUN - Member of the Governing Board (Turkey)
Mr. Tarafa BAGHAJATI - Member of the Governing Board (Austria)
Mrs. Pervin CHAIROULA - Member of the Governing Board (Greece)
Mr. Halim GRABUS - Member of the Governing Board (Switzerland)
Mrs. Banu KURTULAN - Member of the Governing Board (Austria)
Mr. Zaheer AHMAD - Member of the Governing Board (UK)
Mrs. Rukhsana YAQOOB - Member of the Governing Board (UK)
About Us
EMISCO with its partners and the support of Council of Europe, COJEP International, ISESCO and Organisation of Islamic Conference have launched a contest to select the most beautiful existing Minaret in Europe through a photographic competition which was closed today.
At UNOG, on Friday, 10 December 2010, EMISCO will participate to the Colloquium organised by COJEP International on "Radicalizations as Threats for our Democracies".
Today, it is very important to join our efforts to building Trust and Co-operation between civil society and law enforcement agencies in combating anti-Muslim hate crimes.
Press Release
Emisco Manifesto
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 is 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.More...
Recent Discussions
Dear President Obama,
As a great supporter and admirer of your energetic position and efforts on improving relations between USA with the Islamic world, I was both heartened and sad by your recent statements concerning the whole proposed incident of Quran burning in Florida.
Let me first explain why, I with a non-practicing Muslim background felt disappointed and hurt. More...