The rise of Islamophobia on a worldwide scale, financial inequalities and ongoing conflicts are among the many key challenges confronted by Muslim youth in the present day. Taha Ayhan, President of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), says these challenges deeply have an effect on younger folks’s sense of id, social integration and prospects. In an unique interview with Daily Sabah on the sidelines of Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Ayhan detailed ICYF’s initiatives and methods to assist youth going through these points.
Ayhan famous that systemic oppression and discrimination have had profound results on Muslim youth, notably these dwelling within the West. These younger folks typically face marginalization, exclusion and discrimination due to their identities. However, this example just isn’t restricted to the West – comparable challenges exist in Muslim-majority international locations as properly. “The fight against Islamophobia requires humanity to come together,” Ayhan stated. “Yet today, we are witnessing the rise of nationalist rhetoric and the election of leaders who reinforce discriminatory tendencies.”
Economic inequality is one other main difficulty affecting Muslim youth. “A large number of the world’s least developed countries are members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC),” Ayhan defined. “Countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh, which have large populations, are economically disadvantaged. This limits opportunities for young people in education and employment.”
Ongoing conflicts, inner displacement and pure disasters additionally affect youth considerably. “According to U.N. research, 85% of ongoing conflicts occur in OIC countries,” Ayhan stated. “And it’s the youth who are the most affected. They’re directly impacted by crises, migration and forced displacement.”
Ayhan pointed to disaster zones like Palestine and Kashmir, noting that ICYF has devoted efforts towards these areas. “We have a special initiative focused on Gaza. We’re fully supporting the ‘Gaza Tribunal’ project. We’ve also established a satellite channel called Witness Eye Channel, which documents crimes in Gaza 24/7 through testimonies of witnesses and victims. These materials will be submitted at the Gaza Tribunal in Sarajevo on May 26-27,” he stated.
ICYF goals to lift consciousness by means of golf equipment established at 817 universities throughout 72 international locations. There are plans to increase these efforts inside Türkiye as properly. “Although direct aid to youth in Gaza is difficult, we engage with youth living in refugee camps through digital and on-the-ground initiatives. We’re working to help them reintegrate into life,” Ayhan famous.
Addressing the id disaster skilled by Muslim youth within the West, Ayhan emphasised that these younger individuals are on the middle of Islamophobic campaigns. “Our diaspora youth have become the primary targets of such campaigns,” he stated. “That’s why, through our anti-Islamophobia campaign, we aim to educate them on legal strategies and psychological resilience. Through clubs we’ve set up at universities, we’re bringing these young people together and building communities. We’ve made efforts in Brussels, London, Washington, New York, Baltimore and across universities and youth organizations in California.”
Ayhan added that ICYF is engaged on a number of initiatives to handle youth challenges. “We had a major vocational training center project for the Sudan crisis, which we hope to revive. We’re also organizing training sessions for young people in Chad, Libya and the Sahel region,” he stated.
Highlighting the urgency of worldwide cooperation, ICYF President Taha Ayhan reiterated his dedication, “We are doing our utmost to ensure that Muslim youth preserve their identities while integrating into economic and social life.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com