NCCM Contributes to OSCE 2013 Hate Crimes Data, Released Today
-For Immediate Release-
(Ottawa – November 14, 2014) The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) contributed a detailed report of anti-Muslim incidents and hate crimes in 2013 to the Organization for the Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The data from 45 states was released today.
Information from the NCCM document is included in the latest data release on the Hate Crimes Reporting Website, managed by the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). Only two Canadian non-government organizations reported figures to the OSCE, of which Canada is a member state.
“Statistics on hate crimes only reflect a partial picture, and yet our report offers a glimpse at the types of anti-Muslim incidents that have taken place in Canada,” says Ihsaan Gardee, NCCM’s Executive Director.
The numbers are based on cases reported to NCCM, as well as cases reported in the media in 2013. It should be noted that the number of similar incidents in October and November of this year alone have already exceeded the total numbers submitted for the 2013 report.
“It is almost impossible to establish causality but we have documented that there tends to be a spike in the reporting of anti-Muslim incidents following high-profile events perceived to be related to Islam or those who profess to be Muslims,” says Gardee.
“And we know that only a fraction of hate crimes are ever reported. Many people are reluctant to report for a number of reasons including, for example, a fear of retaliation or humiliation. Sometimes people do not want to create negative impressions about themselves or their places of worship.
“We hope that with more awareness, Canadian Muslims, and others who are victimized, will realize that reporting these incidents, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, are crucial in order for authorities to properly investigate and prosecute this sort of crime and harassment.
“With the International Day of Tolerance on November 16, we join all Canadians, and fellow global citizens, in calling for an end to hate-motivated attacks and harassment. Tolerance and mutual understanding are critical for socially cohesive, functioning societies.”
This is the third time the NCCM has contributed to the annual OSCE-ODIHR Hate Crimes Report.
To read the NCCM’s full 2013 report, go to: http://www.nccm.ca/nccm-hate-crime-report-2013-odihr/
To see more on Canada’s numbers, and compare them to other OSCE states, read the full report here: http://hatecrime.osce.org/infocus/2013-hate-crime-reporting-now-available
For more information on keeping their communities safe, the NCCM urges Canadian Muslim communities across the country to review the NCCM’s community safety guide. The NCCM presents workshops to educate communities about their rights and responsibilities when confronted with a possible hate crime.
The NCCM is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit grassroots advocacy organization. It is a leading voice for Muslim civic engagement and the promotion of human rights.
CONTACT: Ihsaan Gardee, Executive Director, 613.254.9704; 613.853.4111
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