COJEP International which has been working for many years for the cause of inter-cultural and inter-faith living and harmony in Europe is deeply concerned and alarmed by the accelerating anti-Islam discourse leading to hate speech, demonizing of religion and in some cases deadly violence against innocent people with Muslim background.

The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, will start on Sunday 28 June a six day visit to Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara.

“The aim of the visit is to gain first hand information on the human rights’ situation of asylum-seekers and minorities and to discuss other major human rights issues with the Turkish authorities, continuing and enhancing the constant dialogue with my Office” said the Commissioner.