Washington, DC | October 5, 2009 | www.adc.org | The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) was represented today by Kareem Shora, National Executive Director at the OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting (HDIM) in Warsaw, Poland. ADC was the first ever Arab or Muslim-American organization to have partnered with the US Department of State, US Delegation to the OSCE, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department (TND), to hold a formal side-event entitled "Challenging Intolerance against Muslims"
The HDIM brought together hundreds of government representatives, experts and human rights defenders to review progress made by OSCE participating States, in which the US is included, in implementing their commitments in the field of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The meeting is the largest annual human rights gathering in Europe.
The event addressed recent surveys and studies indicating that negative attitudes towards Muslims are still high in many parts of OSCE region, in spite of participating States’ efforts to combat all forms of intolerance and discrimination and promote respect for diversity. This poses one of the greatest challenges to managing our increasingly diverse societies and maintaining peace and security in the region. Therefore, it is essential to raise awareness about intolerance against Muslims and promote a better understanding of Muslims across the OSCE region.
At the formal side event, participants reflected on how OSCE, particularly ODIHR, can further support educational and awareness-raising initiatives to counter intolerant attitudes and behavior towards Muslims. The discussions revolved around recent developments, key challenges, opportunities and barriers, lessons learned, effective and less effective methodologies and approaches, and examples of good practice from throughout the OSCE region.
###
NOTE TO EDITORS: The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), which is non sectarian and non partisan, is the largest Arab-American civil rights organization in the United States. It was founded in 1980, by former Senator James Abourezk to protect the civil rights of people of Arab descent in the United States and to promote the cultural heritage of the Arabs. ADC has 38 chapters nationwide, including chapters in every major city in the country, and members in all 50 states.
The ADC Research Institute (ADC-RI), which was founded in 1981, is a Section 501(c)(3) educational organization that sponsors a wide range of programs on behalf of Arab Americans and of importance to all Americans. ADC-RI programs include research studies, seminars, conferences and publications that document and analyze the discrimination faced by Arab Americans in the workplace, schools, media, and governmental agencies and institutions. ADC-RI also celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Arabs.
__________________________________________
Contact: ADC Media Department, media@adc.org