ISLAMOPHOBIA REPORT

ISLAMOPHOBIA IN Sweden
that work with these matters in their report. 100 Focusing less on resources, the representative
from GHRC states that Islamophobia needs to be dealt with in far more
concrete terms. According to the Centre’s representative, concretizing problems and
figuring out solutions, especially for Muslim groups, are important steps to be taken
in dealing with Islamophobia in Sweden.
Given this, the reason why such a small amount of actors responded to the request
for participation in this report is unclear. It is necessary to consider this point,
as it might indicate a lack of interest in the topic, or simply that interest to participate
in activities not directly linked to the organisation itself is weak among the
actors. It might also indicate that the actors are overworked and understaffed. These,
of course, are only some possible causes, and no certain conclusions can be drawn.
In addition to civil society, the Equality Ombudsman has an expressed agenda
to combat both Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. The Equality Ombudsman works
primarily with accumulating, developing and spreading knowledge and understanding
about different forms of discrimination. The Ombudsman also aims to influence
different agencies, organisations and decision-makers by increasing their awareness of
discrimination, pushing them towards equal rights and opportunities within their respective
jurisdictions. Some of this work, often conducted in cooperation with other
actors, is done through various activities, such as arranging or participating in debates,
conducting or initiating investigations and research and suggesting legislative changes.
Furthermore, the Equality Ombudsman can monitor the work of employees, educators
and other community actors in order to ensure equal rights and opportunities and to
combat discrimination. The Ombudsman also investigates suspected breaches of anti-discrimination
laws in Sweden; this can lead to an acknowledgment of fault, recommendations
or a decision by the Ombudsman to take the matter to the Swedish courts. 101
It seems however, that assessments and evaluations of efforts on combating Islamophobia
are largely lacking. Evidence of what constitutes good practices, or what
efforts have actually contributed in the struggle to eradicate Islamophobia and other
forms of discrimination in Sweden is weak. 102 Complaints, as can be seen, exist, but
there remains little information on how these are met. STT’s report also shows that
at times religious communities seem to be lacking awareness of the possible avenues
for dealing with or combating hate-crimes. 103
100. Benaouda, Helena, Fatima Doubaki, Elvir Giovic, Omar Mustafa and Ahmed Siraj. 2013. Swedish Muslims in
Cooperation Network Alternative Report. Stockholm.
101. More information about the Equality Ombudsman can be found at: http://www.do.se/om-do/vad-gor-do/
102. Löwander, Birgitta, Mirjam Hagström. 2011. Antisemitism och Islamofobi - Utbredning, Orsaker och Preventivt
Arbete. Forum för Levande Historia: On Behalf of Departement of Labour: A2011/1622/DISK.
103. Larsson, Göran. 2004. Nämnden för Statligt Stöd till Trossamfund, Report.
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