Les mariages forcés semblent appartenir au passé, pourtant, ils restent une réalité dans les sociétés européennes. Les jeunes, garçons et filles, sont contraints d’épouser une personne que les parents ou la famille ont choisi à leur place, sans leur laisser le choix et la possibilité de refuser.
Ce phénomène se produit dans les différents groupes au-delà des différences ethniques, culturelles et religieuses, mais aussi parmi les musulmans. En ce qui les concerne, les musulmans comme les non musulmans, pensent à tort que cette pratique relève de l’islam. Pourtant, l’islam interdit les mariages forcés. Dans la tradition musulmane, un mariage n’est valide que lorsque les deux partis consentent librement.
En 2004, SPIOR (l’organisme qui chapeaute les associations musulmanes à Rotterdam aux Pays Bas) lançait un projet pour lutter contre les mariages forcés, à cause de nombreuses jeunes filles qui fuyaient le domicile familial de peur d’être mariées de force. L’objectif de ce projet était de prévenir les mariages forcés en faisant un travail de sensibilisation sur la question, en réformant les mentalités et en promouvant une meilleure communication entre les parents et les enfants. Des rencontres ont donc été organisées avec des centaines de jeunes filles et garçons, parents mais aussi avec des imams et des savants. Un des axes de travail les plus important de ce projet était de sensibiliser le public sur la question des mariages forcés dans une perspective islamique et dans le choix du partenaire en général.
Le fait que l’Islam interdit la pratique des mariages forcés s’est avéré être une surprise pour la plupart des personnes impliquées dans le projet. Les résultats de ce projet ont été publiés dans un petit livre qui portait le même titre « Main dans la main contre les mariages forcés ». Ce document contient des informations sur l’origine culturelle des mariages forcés et sur la relation entre le mariage et le concept de « l’honneur ». La plaquette fournit également un plan d’action ainsi que des conseils pour déceler et prévenir cette pratique.
Ce problème n’est pas propre à Rotterdam ou aux Pays bas, raison pour laquelle, SPIOR et la municipalité de Rotterdam en collaboration avec le professeur Tariq Ramadan (Professeur invité en charge de la chaire « Identité et Citoyenneté » à l’université d’Erasmus à Rotterdam et président du think tank European Muslim Network) ont lancé une campagne européenne contre les mariages forcés. À cet effet, la brochure susmentionnée sera traduite en anglais, français, allemand, italien, espagnol, turc et arabe et sera distribuée au Royaume-Uni, en Belgique, en France, en Allemagne, en Italie et en Espagne. Bien entendu, SPIOR ne peut s’engager seul dans cette action, aussi, nous collaborerons avec les organisations musulmanes et les autorités locales des pays cités. Elles inscriront la problématique des mariages forcés à l’ordre du jour dans leur propre communauté et de la façon dont elles le souhaitent. Nous espérons que les expériences menées par SPIOR et décrites dans la plaquette seront une source d’inspiration pour nos partenaires et le public européen en général.
La campagne débutera avec des journées de lancement dans plusieurs capitales :
15 Mai – Rotterdam
16 Mai – Bruxelles
19 Mai – Londres
21 Mai – Berlin
22 Mai – Madrid
23 Mai – Paris
26 Mai – Rome
Pour de plus amples informations, merci de prendre contact avec la coordinatrice du projet : Mme Marianne Vorthoren (SPIOR) : +31 (0)10 – 466 69 89 Ou : m.vorthoren@spior.nl
]]>Forced marriages may seem to belong to the past, but actually still are a reality in European societies. Young people, both girls and boys, are being forced to marry someone their parents or family have chosen for them and are not being given the opportunity to say ‘no’. It happens amongst groups of different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds, also amongst Muslims. As far as Muslims are concerned, it is often thought – by Muslims and non-Muslims alike – that forced marriages are a part of Islam. However, Islam actually forbids forced marriages. A marriage is only valid according to Islam when both man and woman enter it of their own, free will.
For SPIOR, the Muslim umbrella organisation in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, the fact that Muslim girls were running away from home out of fear of being forced to marry, was the reason to start a project against forced marriages in 2004. The goal was the prevention of forced marriages by raising awareness about the issue, changing attitudes and promoting better communication between Muslim parents and children. To this end, meetings were organised with hundreds of young women, men and parents, also involving imams and scholars. Educating people about the Islamic view on forced marriages and choice of a partner in general was an important part of the project. The fact that Islam actually forbids forced marriages turned out to be an eye-opening message for many of the people involved.
The results of the project were published in a booklet with the same title: ‘Joining hands against forced marriages’. The booklet further contains information about the cultural background of forced marriages, about the Islamic view on marriage and forced marriages and about the relationship between marriage and the concept of ‘honour’. Also, the booklet provides a step by step plan for detection of force, taking actions and some advice for setting up preventative projects.
This issue is not unique for Rotterdam, or the Netherlands. That is why now SPIOR and the Rotterdam Municipality, in cooperation with Professor Tariq Ramadan (visiting professor on ‘Citizenship and Identity’ at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam), have started a European campaign against forced marriages. To this end, the aforementioned booklet will be translated into English, French, German, Italian and Spanish and distributed in the UK, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Of course, SPIOR can not do this alone. For this purpose, we will team up with Muslim organisations and (local) authorities in these countries, who will put the issue of forced marriages on the agenda in their own communities and in their own way. SPIOR’s experiences, as described in the booklet, will hopefully serve as means of inspiration for others.
The campaign will start with launch meetings in several capitals:
15 May – Rotterdam
16 May – Brussels
19 May – London
21 May – Berlin
22 May – Madrid
23 May – Paris
26 May – Rome
For more information, please contact Marianne Vorthoren at SPIOR:
+31 (0)10 – 466 69 89
or m.vorthoren@spior.nl
Forced marriages may seem to belong to the past, but actually still are a reality in European societies. Young people, both girls and boys, are being forced to marry someone their parents or family have chosen for them and are not being given the opportunity to say ‘no’. It happens amongst groups of different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds, also amongst Muslims. As far as Muslims are concerned, it is often thought - by Muslims and non-Muslims alike - that forced marriages are a part of Islam. However, Islam actually forbids forced marriages. A marriage is only valid according to Islam when both man and woman enter it of their own, free will.
Forced marriages may seem to belong to the past, but actually still are a reality in European societies. Young people, both girls and boys, are being forced to marry someone their parents or family have chosen for them and are not being given the opportunity to say ‘no’. It happens amongst groups of different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds, also amongst Muslims. As far as Muslims are concerned, it is often thought – by Muslims and non-Muslims alike – that forced marriages are a part of Islam. However, Islam actually forbids forced marriages. A marriage is only valid according to Islam when both man and woman enter it of their own, free will.
For SPIOR, the Muslim umbrella organisation in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, the fact that Muslim girls were running away from home out of fear of being forced to marry, was the reason to start a project against forced marriages in 2004. The goal was the prevention of forced marriages by raising awareness about the issue, changing attitudes and promoting better communication between Muslim parents and children. To this end, meetings were organised with hundreds of young women, men and parents, also involving imams and scholars. Educating people about the Islamic view on forced marriages and choice of a partner in general was an important part of the project. The fact that Islam actually forbids forced marriages turned out to be an eye-opening message for many of the people involved.
The results of the project were published in a booklet with the same title: ‘Joining hands against forced marriages’. The booklet further contains information about the cultural background of forced marriages, about the Islamic view on marriage and forced marriages and about the relationship between marriage and the concept of ‘honour’. Also, the booklet provides a step by step plan for detection of force, taking actions and some advice for setting up preventative projects.
This issue is not unique for Rotterdam, or the Netherlands. That is why now SPIOR and the Rotterdam Municipality, in cooperation with Professor Tariq Ramadan (visiting professor on ‘Citizenship and Identity’ at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam), have started a European campaign against forced marriages. To this end, the aforementioned booklet will be translated into English, French, German, Italian and Spanish and distributed in the UK, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Of course, SPIOR can not do this alone. For this purpose, we will team up with Muslim organisations and (local) authorities in these countries, who will put the issue of forced marriages on the agenda in their own communities and in their own way. SPIOR’s experiences, as described in the booklet, will ahopefully serve as means of inspiration for others.
The campaign will start with launch meetings in several capitals:
15 May – Rotterdam
16 May – Brussels
19 May – London
21 May – Berlin
22 May – Madrid
23 May – Paris
26 May – Rome
For more information, please contact Marianne Vorthoren at SPIOR:
+31 (0)10 – 466 69 89
or m.vorthoren@spior.nl
Thursday, 29 November 2007
"MUSLIMS IN PORTUGAL:
SOCIETAL AND TRANSNATIONAL EXPERIENCES"
Details
Friday, 30 November 2007
"EXPANDING HORIZONS :
CHALLENGES, SOLIDARITIES, RESISTANCES"
Details
Thursday, 29 November 2007
“MUSLIMS IN PORTUGAL:
SOCIETAL AND TRANSNATIONAL EXPERIENCES”
Details
Friday, 30 November 2007
“EXPANDING HORIZONS :
CHALLENGES, SOLIDARITIES, RESISTANCES”
Details
]]>The Employment Equality Directive introduced in 2000 requires all Member States to protect against discrimination on grounds of religion and belief in employment, occupation and vocational training. This report provides an overview of the provisions on religion and belief and examines the approach taken to implementation by Member States. The report also identifies some of the problematic legal issues which are likely to arise, and considers what should be the proper scope of protection against discrimination on grounds of religion and belief.
]]>The Employment Equality Directive introduced in 2000 requires all Member States to protect against discrimination on grounds of religion and belief in employment, occupation and vocational training. This report provides an overview of the provisions on religion and belief and examines the approach taken to implementation by Member States. The report also identifies some of the problematic legal issues which are likely to arise, and considers what should be the proper scope of protection against discrimination on grounds of religion and belief.
The complexity of this question comes from the fact that while Europe is committed to upholding religious freedom, it is equally committed to equality and other fundamental freedoms. At times these rights are complementary, with protection against religious discrimination enabling full enjoyment of religious freedom; in other respects, the rights are in tension, with religious groups failing to recognise equality rights or the rights of those outside the religious group.
]]>These background research reports were prepared to serve as a basis for the EUMAP monitoring project Muslims in the EU: Cities Reports. This new monitoring project will result in the publication of a new series of reports in late 2008.
Although they do not contain original research, these background reports are made public because the wealth of information they contain can be useful to any person doing research on the situation of Muslims in these countries.
]]>These background research reports were prepared to serve as a basis for the EUMAP monitoring project Muslims in the EU: Cities Reports. This new monitoring project will result in the publication of a new series of reports in late 2008.
Although they do not contain original research, these background reports are made public because the wealth of information they contain can be useful to any person doing research on the situation of Muslims in these countries.
The papers are based on a comprehensive review of the existing literature on Muslims in the selected countries. It was anticipated that there would be limited literature directly on Muslims as a group. Therefore, researchers were asked to include in their review both literature directly on Muslims, as well as literature on ethnic groups that are predominately Muslim. Each research paper includes a comprehensive annex of relevant recent literature (from 1996 on), whether in English or other languages.
]]>Muslim Reformation?
The future of Islam in Europe
The European Muslim Network will be holding a public conference in Copenhagen on Friday, 8th June under the motto
Muslim Reformation?
The future of Islam in Europe
How do Muslims counter extremist interpretations of Islam? Do Muslims need a reformation? What are the promises of European Islam? The following speakers will debate about those questions:
- Tariq Ramadan, Professor of Islamic Studies, Oxford University, President of European Muslim Network and Author of “To be a European Muslim”.
- Michael Jarlner, Editor, Politiken and co-author of “Limits for God” and “Islam in Denmark - ideas about a third way”.
- Dilwar Hussain, Researcher, Islamic Foundation, member of the “Preventing Extremism Together” workgroups in UK and co-editor of “British Muslims: Loyalty and Belonging”.
Presentations will be followed by discussion with the audience and youth representatives from “Kritiske Muslimer”, “Muslimer i Dialog”, “Demokratiske Muslimer” and “Muslimsk Studenter Union”.
- When?
- Friday, 8th June 2007, 6.30 pm - 9.30 pm
- Where?
- Pressen, Politikens Hus, Vester Voldgade 33, Copenhagen V
- Entry
- Free Entry, Seat Reservation at www.politikenbillet.dk
"The Rules of the Game. Terrorism, Community and Human Rights" is a new report by Democratic Audit, a research organisation attached to the Human Rights Centre, at the University of Essex, for the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust. It is co-authored by Tufyal Choudhury, author of the EUMAP report Muslims in the UK: Policies for Engaged Citizens.
This report is largely focused on the response to what is now known as ‘home-grown’ terrorism...
]]>“The Rules of the Game. Terrorism, Community and Human Rights” is a new report by Democratic Audit, a research organisation attached to the Human Rights Centre, at the University of Essex, for the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust. It is co-authored by Tufyal Choudhury, author of the EUMAP report Muslims in the UK: Policies for Engaged Citizens.
This report is largely focused on the response to what is now known as ‘home-grown’ terrorism…
It is our view that the government’s counter terrorism laws and the thrust of policy and rhetoric are actually doing more harm than good. The vast majority of people, non-Muslim and Muslim alike, want the police and security forces to apprehend the terrorists. However, mounting heavy police raids in pursuit of the ‘violent extremists bent on destruction’, hectoring Muslim parents to spy on their children, raising a ‘healthy debate’ about women who wear the veil, may play well with the Sun’s readers and the electorate at large, but it is all likely to drive a wedge between the Muslim and non-Muslim communities and to make it harder to win over the minority of those who feel sympathy with terrorists in Muslim communities. This model of counter terrorism is as dangerous as terrorism itself.
]]>Since the Iranian revolution of 1978-79, the issue of Islam and its supposed challenge to the West has become a matter of enduring international preoccupation, which politicians within western European states, as well as a number of Islamic leaders, have chosen to highlight.
]]>Since the Iranian revolution of 1978-79, the issue of Islam and its supposed challenge to the West has become a matter of enduring international preoccupation, which politicians within western European states, as well as a number of Islamic leaders, have chosen to highlight.
Today, some 12.5 million Muslims live in Europe, compared with only 800 000 Muslims in 1950, and around 10 million in the US. Islam is no longer only a foreign policy matter, but has turned into a domestic issue that needs to be addressed at local, national and European levels. Muslim communities have grown rapidly in Europe in recent decades and Islam has emerged as the second religion in many European states.
However, recent international events, particularly the aftermath of 9/11, have created an unfavourable climate for many Muslims in Europe and have led to misperception and inaccurate stereotyping which risk making a “clash of civilizations” a reality.
]]>The "European Monitoring Center on Racism and Xenophobia" published the study "Muslims in the European Union, Discrimination and Islamophobia" in the end of the year 2006. The first part tries to put into context the data and information on manifestations of Islamophobia.
]]>The “European Monitoring Center on Racism and Xenophobia” published the study “Muslims in the European Union, Discrimination and Islamophobia” in the end of the year 2006. The first part tries to put into context the data and information on manifestations of Islamophobia.
The second part presents country by country evidence of manifestations of Islamophobia examining data sources and data availability on the basis of a preliminary discussion on the use of the term ‘Islamophobia’.
The third part, which in many ways is the heart of this report, presents some key government and civil society initiatives targeting specifically Muslims.The report concludes with EUMC opinions addressed to European institutions, the Member States, civil society and the media.
]]>