European Council calls for better protection of religious youth

Strasbourg, November 21, Interfax – The European Council has urged its member states to strengthen protections for young people facing discrimination on religious grounds, warning that intolerance in schools and universities is rising across the continent. The call was issued after a new report on youth rights was presented at a plenary session on Thursday.

According to the report, students belonging to minority religious communities increasingly encounter hostility, social exclusion, and online harassment. Researchers noted that many cases go unreported due to fear of retaliation or a belief that authorities will not take action.

“Schools must be places of safety, not arenas for ideological conflict,” said Maren Lindholm, a rapporteur for the Council’s Human Rights Committee. “When children and young adults are targeted because of their faith, the consequences can shape their entire lives.”

Lindholm emphasized that the issue affects multiple religious groups, including Christians, Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, and smaller communities. She pointed out that in some countries, pupils wearing religious symbols or clothing have become particular targets for bullying or administrative pressure.

Representatives of youth organizations from Germany, Italy, and Sweden addressed the plenary, highlighting the emotional toll of discrimination. “Many young people internalize the message that their beliefs make them ‘outsiders’,” said Hana Razzini, a youth delegate from Italy. “This alienation can lead to long-term psychological stress.”

Jewish community leaders noted a surge in antisemitic incidents linked to political events in the Middle East, while Muslim organizations warned that stereotypes and misinformation on social media continue to fuel hostility.

The Council proposed several measures, including mandatory training for teachers, clearer harassment-reporting procedures, and the introduction of interfaith dialogue programs in secondary schools. “Understanding one another’s traditions is essential for peaceful coexistence,” Lindholm said.

The report also recommended that governments work more closely with religious organizations to provide counseling and support for affected youth. Experts stressed that ensuring confidentiality and trust is crucial for encouraging victims to come forward.

In its final resolution, the European Council called on all member states to reaffirm their commitment to protecting freedom of religion and to ensure that educational institutions remain inclusive environments where young people can “develop their identity without fear.”

Officials expressed hope that the new initiatives would counteract growing polarization and foster a generation that values empathy and mutual respect.