Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisation (FEMYSO)

The Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations was established on the 1st September 1996. Its mission is to be a platform for youth organisations to congregate, exchange information, gain experience and benefit from each other, to work for a better Europe. FEMYSO has developed into a wide network of 39 member organisations, bringing together youth from over 22 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. FEMSO has developed useful links with the European Parliament, 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.

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

Mission:

-     facilitate networking between Muslim youth and student organisations,
-     enable member organisations to achieve their potential,
-     contribute to the development of a diverse, cohesive and strong Europe.

FEMYSO is the First Muslim youth oriented organisation gathering such a wide variety of youth and student organisations across Europe. Young European Muslims within FEMYSO come from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, thus mirroring the diversity of European society. Within this process they want to ask their questions, raise their concerns and present their ideas.

History:

The First meeting between Muslim youth organisations across Europe took place in Sweden in 1995, when the Foreign Ministry of Sweden in co-operation with the Swedish Muslim youth organisation SUM (Sveriges Unga Muslimer), organised an international conference on ‘Islam in Europe’. The participants at this conference felt the need to establish better communications between the organisations and undertake steps towards greater co-operation and co-ordination. The JMF (Jeunes Musulmans de France), the YMUK (Young Muslims UK) and the SUM (Sveriges Unga Muslimer) were given the responsibility to further develop this idea. In June 996 the FIOE (Federation of Islamic Organisations in Europe) joined these organisations and invited them to a meeting in Birmingham (UK) to facilitate this process along with the Islamic Foundation, Leicester (UK). It was agreed that a further meeting would be held in Leicester. Thirty-five participants attended this meeting from eleven countries with representatives from nineteen youth and student organisations. This meeting helped create bonds between those present and the FEMYSO (Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations) was officially launched. In the beginning FEMYSO’s mission was to provide a platform for youth organisations to congregate, exchange information, gain experience and benefit from each others’ good practise and in turn work for a better Europe.

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. FEMYSO is trying hard to fulfil this need and always requires your help and the help of your organisation.

Our commitment to Europe

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. FEMYSO abhors the use of violence and condemns any act that spreads fear, hatred and death. Furthermore, 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.