Perron 14 (2023), Working towards restoration of trust. Report of reflection sessions between government and Muslim communities (Werken aan herstel van vertrouwen. Rapportage reflectiesessies overheid en moslimgemeenschappen), Study commissioned by the Mi

Country

Netherlands

Title

Perron 14 (2023), Working towards restoration of trust. Report of reflection sessions between government and Muslim communities (Werken aan herstel van vertrouwen. Rapportage reflectiesessies overheid en moslimgemeenschappen), Study commissioned by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment.

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Year

2024

Publication type

Research evidence/report

Geographical coverage

National

Area/location of interest

Not applicable - national level

Type of Institution

Academic/research institution

Institution

The Netherlands, Perron 14

Thematic focus

Discrimination

Groups

Muslims

Key findings

The report is based on a series of reflection sessions organised with representatives of Muslim communities and municipal and national authorities. These sessions focused on restoring trust between Muslim communities and the government which had been breached after Dutch daily newspaper "NRC Handelsblad" published in 2021 an article on undercover investigations at mosques commissioned by several municipalities. The National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security reportedly paid for it and allegedly chose the agency in charge of the investigation. This research yielded 10 recommendations: show understanding for each other; be transparent; be accountable and acknowledge; use the dialogue form on sensitive issues; investigate Muslim discrimination; see Muslims not a priori as a problem; know that ‘the’ Muslim does not exist and act accordingly; invest in diversity and inclusion within the government.

Methodology (Qualitative/Quantitative and exact type used, questionnaires etc)

The report is based on 9 reflection sessions. Seven reflection sessions with participants the majority of whom called themselves Muslim, and one with mainly municipal officials. The reflection sessions aimed to: (1) To give space to the feelings at hand. Thereby focus on what happened (past) in one's own circle and what ‘pain’ was felt; (2) To look ahead: what is needed to restore trust restore? And what ingredients for solutions are gathered? In conclusion, one lab session was organised. In it, the results of the reflection sessions were discussed and considered about solution directions: what is needed now.

Sample details and representativeness

A sample of approximately 150 persons: representatives of Muslim communities and municipal civil servants.

DISCLAIMERThe information presented here is collected under contract by the FRA's research network FRANET. The information and views contained do not necessarily reflect the views or the official position of the FRA.