OSCE/ODIHR event examines media portrayals of Muslim communities

Facilitating understanding and co-operation among news media and Muslim communities was the focus of an expert meeting organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in Warsaw on 14 September 2015.

The participants – 10 journalists and media experts from nine OSCE participating States – examined how news media and civil society groups can co-operate more efficiently to address common stereotypes of Muslims. The aim was to identify strategies for addressing the challenges faced by journalists when covering issues related to Islam and Muslims.

"News media play a central role in shaping people’s perceptions and ideas. Improving the understanding of issues related to news media and Muslim communities is a critical part of addressing some of the most common stereotypes," said Marouane Mohamed, ODIHR's Advisor on Combating Intolerance Against Muslims. "We hope to use the results from this event to build closer co-operation between news media and Muslim communities and to inform our ongoing work on countering intolerance against Muslims."

This expert meeting is part of ODIHR's continuing work to address intolerance against Muslims, in line with commitments made by OSCE participating States concerning freedom of the media and tolerance and non-discrimination. The event builds on focus groups, training seminars and workshops held for civil society groups organized in 2013 and 2014, during which participants emphasized the role of some media in creating and perpetuating stereotypes against minority groups.