Media Statement: Muslim Situation in France Today

Media Statement: Muslim Situation in France Today

Geneva Council for International Affairs and Development / GCIAD

Rue des Savoises 15
CH- 1205 Geneva
admin@gciad.ch

Geneva, October 28th 2020

French President Emmanuel Macron has declared last week that “Islam is a religion that is in crisis all over the world” before unveiling his plan to tackle radicalism. Macron insisted “no concessions” would be made in a new drive to push religion out of education and the public sector in France. This week there is a huge media campaign that could be shown as stigmatization of up to 5 million French Muslims in the Country.

GCIAD would remind that wearing the hijab is already banned in French schools and for public servants at work. And denounce the Islamophobic rhetoric and futile clash of civilizations scenario that may serve France’s nationalists political agenda.

GCIAD highlighted in the past the radicalization was partly due to the “ghettoization” of French cities and towns . France has concentrated populations based on their origins, and have not sufficiently created diversity, or ensured economic and social mobility in segregated areas.

GCIAD urge that freedom of speech should not neglect freedom of religion as a basic of human rights.

GCIAD call for the responsibility of the authority to organize a real freedom of open debates around the French laicity, terrorism, tolerance and rules of law.

GCIAD advance a global and open debate, on mutual understanding and common cause against the evil of terrorism.

GCIAD call the United Nations bodies to stop the French campaign against Muslims around the world and ensure that France respect all the minorities and religions as per the united rules and policies.

Dr. Nurhayati Ali Assegaf

President

Geneva Council for International Affairs and Development (GCIAD)

www.gciad.ch