The Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations was established on the 1st September 1996. Its mission is to strengthen Muslim youth work across Europe by acting as a platform for youth organisations to congregate, exchange information, gain experience and benefit from each other, to work for a better Europe.
FEMYSO is the first and only Muslim youth oriented organisation gathering such a wide variety of youth and student organisations across Europe. It has developed into a wide network of 39 member organisations, bringing together youth from over 22 countries. Young European Muslims within FEMYSO come from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, thus mirroring the diversity of European society. Within this process they can get to know each other, exchange information and experience, develop their leadership skills and build stronger Muslim youth organisations in their home countries.
Over the last 10 years it has become the de facto voice of Muslim Youth in Europe and is regularly consulted on issues pertaining to Muslims in Europe. FEMYSO has developed close links with the European Parliament, European Commission, the Council of Europe, the United Nations and a host of other relevant organisations at the European and international level. Furthermore, it is currently a member of the Advisory Council for Youth of the Council of Europe, helping to shape youth policy for all Council of Europe member states.
The FEMYSO has focused its programmes of activities around particular themes which reflect the priorities and vision of the organisation. Amongst those the main areas have been citizenship, inter-religious and intercultural dialogue, Human Rights and Islamophobia, education and training, media and communication and public relations.
Working fields/area of interest:
Human Rights/Islamophobia
Identity & Citizenship
Intercultural & Inter-religious Dialogue
Building Relations with International Organisations (EU/CoE/OSCE/NGOs)
Strengthening Member Organisations
Development
Finance
Education & Training
Communication
Role of FEMYSO
Is there a need for such an organisation? With nearly 50 million Muslims present in East and West Europe, there is a desperate need for Muslims across Europe to have a voice within the European structures and also to have a platform which would allow co-ordination and encourage co-operation between each other. Muslim youth across Europe can learn a lot from each others experiences and initiatives, and are developing a common sense of Muslim identity wherever they are in Europe. FEMYSO is trying hard to fulfil this need and always requires your help and the help of your organisation.
FEMYSO envisages a Europe in which Muslims take pride in their identity and contribution to society. The 800-year Muslim presence in Spain, Italy and the Balkans brought Europe into a Golden Age by playing a key role in the development of the European civilisation. FEMYSO promotes respect and peaceful coexistence between the different components of Europe.
Whilst Europe is well known for its tolerance and democratic values, with great sadness we also see the rise of racist and Islamophobic prejudices in many European cities. The FEMYSO is committed to fighting prejudice and discrimination at all levels, so that the future of Europe is concretised into a multicultural, inclusive and respectful society, in which all people can work hand in hand to create a peaceful and prosperous community.