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Sweden’s first Muslim Peace Organization Vision • The vision of Swedish Muslims for Peace and Justice is to become one of the premier organizations in Europe devoted to peace and safety for all. • Islamic values, Islamic principles, human rights. • Islam a part of Europe? Islam in Europe • • • • • Islam in Europe 600 years ago 15 Muslims in Sweden in 1930 400.000 in Sweden today 30 million in Europe European Muslims have enriched and contributed to the development of Europe • Examples of heritage? “La Mezquita” , the former Grand Mosque of Cordoba, Andalusia Spain. Aim • • • • • Lasting peace and understanding within and between countries Social equality Freedom of choice Personal and global responsibility Activation of citizens According to the holy Quran, multitude has been created by God and we people should compete in doing good deeds instead of creating conflicts between each other: ”… If Allah had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah; it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute.” [The Holy Quran 5:48] Why integration? • Studies about integration in Sweden • • • • • • • • • EU Migrant integration Policy Index (2007) Sweden, Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands, Finland Latvia, Cyprus, Austria, Greece, Slovakia EU study on life quality (2007) – Stockholm worst capital in EU Lars Lejonborg (2009) – Sweden has a long way to go (sfi, nonEuropean educations, Immigrants targeted) 500 educations for academics since 2002 Swedish integration commission (2006) Change of surname increases job opportunities and salary Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research (2006) Every fourth employer discriminates against minority Firms with ethnic multitude plan not less discriminate Why integration? • • • • Personal experience from suburbs Segregation due to religion or cultural relativism? Results: Islamophobia and west-phobia Bridging not polarization The three pillars • Identity • • To consider oneself as a Swedish Muslim rather than Muslim living in Sweden To accept other values, religions and cultures without feeling threatened • Responsibility • • • Not to use the “victim” card Encourage activation in society Leadership • Peace work • • • Social anthropology Civil rights Environmental work • Anti-discrimination Our work • Global committee • • • • • Orphanage in Egypt Water project Palestine Dialogue with Christian minority in Egypt Mediating role in international conflicts • Civil Rights committee • • • • • • The care of young Persons act Collect and analyse data from suburbs regarding discrimination Civil rights bureau for equal rights Help with cases of discrimination Follow up surveys Exhibitions and workshops on discrimination Our work • Committee of education • • • • • • • • • • The suburban buss Long term projects 50-60 Ps per occasion. Non-violence, xenophobia, interreligious dialogue, integration not assimilation, conflict resolution, civil rights, gender issues, identity. Friends of Salam (peace) in collaboration with Christian Fellowship for reconciliation Education for police, firefighters and teachers Swedish Muslims for Peace and Justice library Political debates with right wing parties about identity Islamophobia documentary Hey I’m also Swedish! Publication Salam; Islam and peace Our work • Committee of finances • Fair and interest free economy • Media and strategy committee • Articles, news and media. • Act as a platform to create a dialogue • Lobbying • Jimmie Åkesson • Member committee • Recruit members • Open local organisations • Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö and Umeå We need you • Future aims • Umbrella organisation – 4 European countries • “ Should anyone confront you with violence, you should try and repel it with peacefulness, whereby he who is your enemy will become your friend.”- Holy Qur.an (41:34) “We have created you as neighbours so that you shall live together” • Conclusions • • • • • • • • Islam hijacked? Issue of identity extremely complex and key Interreligious and multicultural dialogue Empowerment of citizens through education and understanding of rights Open for all and directed towards all Segregation not due to religion Synergetic approach of Education for Peace and Tolerance, in which to focus on the core of common values which unite us in our diversity, the universal values. We face the same challenges