Campaign on Religious Freedom and Islam

Symbiosis works with all Muslim communities of Thessaloniki and in cooperation with the local government, in order to propose solutions to key issues faced by Muslims living in the city. Symbiosis supported the sponsorship of a site to serve as burial space according to Islam for the Muslims living in Thessaloniki, as well as maintaining its safety, dignity and cleanness. Moreover, Symbiosis advocated for a place that will serve as worship for all Muslims of the city, as well as for the concession of smaller spaces (metzit) for the communities.

An important aspect of Symbiosis’ work with Muslim communities in Thessaloniki has been centred on issues of religious freedom and inclusion. In Greece, the right to religious freedom and tolerance is guaranteed by the Article 13 of the Constitution which states that “freedom of religious conscience is inviolable. The enjoyment of civil and political rights does not depend on religious beliefs”. Furthermore, the freedom of all EU residents to practice the religion of their choice is enshrined in the EU Treaties, the European Convention on human rights and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. According to Article 10 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (2010/C 83/02): “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right includes freedom to change religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or in private, to manifest religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and observance.”