ROME, ITALY

EML urges everyone to deal in fact and not fake news over Covid 19

These are indeed unprecedented times and the European Muslim League is urging everyone to remain calm and responsible in the face of the biggest health challenge which may come to define the 21st century.

It is with frustration and sadness that EML notes harmful propaganda, fake news and false hopes is also growing alongside the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

It is difficult to know the origins of this misleading propaganda but those of us of faith and no faith are being equally challenged and tested. No doubt, human nature being what it is, we will all be facing this test in different ways, but it is vitally important we are able to disseminate facts from fiction.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the majority of governments are working closely to make sure the most reliable information and guidance is released.

We all have a key role to play in minimising the likelihood of transmission and impact on communities and while some measures may seem drastic, only bold and effective action can reduce the risks to us all whoever we are, however we pray or don't.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is urging a whole-of-society approach to respond to COVID-19 and we all need to play our part and act like responsible citizens. This is going to be very much a case of people-before-politics  as governments come together in a coordinated effort to combat this pandemic.

While heads of states are coming together we, as individuals, must act from the grassroots accordingly. Facts and details can be accessed from local government and health websites and these are the places where EML recommends individuals go for essential and reliable information.

False hopes and propaganda will always flourish in a climate of fear. We saw this when HIV/AIDS emerged in the 1980s with rumours spreading that anyone could be contaminated simply by sharing toilets, swimming pools and even touching door handles used by sufferers.

Much of the fear back then was whipped up by the arrival of 24 hour news channels. Today we have the social media networks, fake news and smart phones which can see false information go viral within seconds.

It is the duty of each and every one of us to act in a responsible manner and deal only in the facts as they reach us from official, reliable sources.

Covid19 is not a common cold, nor is it a device to crash stock markets or cull the elderly. It is a deadly virus, a killer in our midst - but so is ignorance and we must do our utmost to guard against both.

CARACAS, VENEZUELA

Our Ambassador of Peace to Venezuela and coordinator for Latin America, Dr. Ven  Kassem Tajan, had been received by H.E.  Dr. Naser Elanzi Ambassador of Kuwait to Caracas. Kuwait has always shown attention to our activities, in favor of peace and the protection of human rights.

BERN, SWITZERLAND

We at the European Muslim League can not begin to imagine the heartbreak caused to pilgrims who have had their trips to Makkah cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak.

For millions of Muslims the chance to perform umrah or hajj is a once in a lifetime opportunity, an event which is often a life-changing or reaffirming commitment to Islam.

The decision by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to temporarily suspend entry to the kingdom to prevent coronavirus spread can not have been an easy one to make. Travel has also been suspended to Prophet Muhammad's mosque in Medina.

However at EML we and all of our global ambassadors of peace are united in the view that this was the only course of action open to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

"This virus is complex but it can spread quickly wherever there are large gatherings. In order to combat coronavirus and contain it, it is essential we all co-operate with the advice of health officials in our localities.

"My thoughts go out to the would-be worshippers who were looking forward to performing their pilgrimage to Makkah," said EML President Alfredo Maiolese in a letter to concerned Muslim groups.

The coronavirus has already had a dramatic effect on Islamic worship across the Muslim world and in Iran there has been a cancelling of Friday prayers in major cities.

The virus has now spread to more than 25 other countries around the world including the US, the UK, Singapore, France, Russia, Spain and India. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak an international health emergency.

Coronavirus is no respecter of boundaries, faiths, nationalities or culture. We are all at risk and to this end we must act in a calm and panic-free manner to overcome this global public health emergency.

HANAU, GERMANY

Hate will not win says EML President following German shootings

Today dawned with the horrific news that at least 11 people have been killed in what appears to be a far right-inspired shooting.

Our thoughts are with the families of those who died and with the survivors following the incidents at shisha bars in the German town of Hanau 25km east of Frankfurt.

German counter terrorism prosecutors have now taken over the investigation into what is being described as a xenophobic attack.
The perpetrator, according to various media, expressed extreme rightwing views in a letter of confession he left behind.

The shisha bars are known to be patronised by members of the Turkish and Kurdish communities, but at this stage little is known about the victims of this horrific attack.

However, regardless of the victims' faith, culture or identity EML offers the deepest sympathy to all of those affected by this horrific incident.

EML President Alfredo Maiolese, a leading figure in Europe's interfaith community, said: "The horrific scenario emerging from Hanau has shaken all of us to the core. Our thoughts are with every family which has been affected by this heinous crime.

"It makes those of us in EML, including our global network of peace ambassadors, more determined than ever to continue to promote our messages of love and understanding between all people of faith and none."

EML Secretary General Yvonne Ridley added: "The motives behind the attack are still being investigated but credible information emerging shows this hate crime was rooted in the rise of the far right.

"There is too much hate in the world today but our message of peace and mutual respect will continue because it will always be far more powerful than the hate which fuels the fire of xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-semitism and other forms of hatred."

NEW YORK , GENEVA, VIENNA USA SWITZERLAND AUSTRIA

The President of EML Amb. Dr. Alfredo Maiolese and Secretary General Dr. Yvonne Ridlley and the entire Board of Directors, are delighted to announce the appointment as EML Ambassador of Peace to the United Nations of Dr. Dianko Lamine, Italian citizen of Senegalese origin. Amb. Dianko boasts a large experience in human rights, education of children, defence of Women and had partecipated many times at the Ecosoc conferences hold in Usa , Switzerland and Austria. With this nomination, the European Muslim League has therefore the possibility to access and to partecipate steadily to United Nations conferences. Eml and our ambassador can use the office inside United Nations, given to ONG in Geneva, Vienna and New York. Amb Dr. Dianko Lamine, leaving in Geneva, can follow the daily needs of our organization, being present at ONU offices. 

GENEVA , SWITZERLAND

The President of European Muslim League Amb. Dr. Alfredo Maiolese, attended at the International Conference held at the United Nations Office,  on youth education in spreading the values ​​of pluralism and respect for religious and cultural diversity, supporting the culture of diversity.

ELBASAN, ALBANIA

Eml representative in Albania Dr. Arben Ramkaj, supported a very important iniziative.
The conference "Safe Internet as part of education for a modern  society. This conference brought together specialists, university professors, school leaders, teachers, parents, students, NGO representatives and State Police and the media. Elbasan District Prefect Mr. Maksim Malaj welcomed the organizers and praised the conference as a wonderful space to exchange messages for safe use of the Internet. The participants expressed their views on concrete ways of education as we cannot stop accessing the internet but prevent the risks through education.