OSCE Representative concerned about questionnaire for Muslim applicants for German citizenship

ANKARA, 24 January 2006 - The OSCE Representative on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims today expressed deep concern about a recent decision by the authorities in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, to submit a special questionnaire to Muslims applying for German citizenship.

"To subject adherents of one specific religion to such questions amounts to discrimination," said Ambassador Ömür Orhun, who is the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office.

"It is evident that national authorities might well ask prospective citizens to demonstrate their knowledge of the legal and social order of the country. However, submitting questions of a personal nature on beliefs and attitudes - and only to adherents of a specific religion - may be considered an affront to the dignity of people, violating their human rights and also discriminating against them, leading to stigmatization and a sense of rejection," he said.

Ambassador Orhun also said that he had contacted the German authorities twice to seek clarification of the practice, but that he had not yet received sufficient explanation.

"I am aware of the intense debate within German society and political circles on this questionnaire, and I have noted with appreciation the concerns expressed by many prominent personalities on such an unwelcome practice," he said.

Noting that he is receiving appeals from Muslims in Germany outraged by the practice, Orhun said he hoped the Baden-Württemberg authorities would reconsider the questionnaire, which he said violated international norms and constitutional order.

"The already existing fault lines between the Islamic communities and the rest must not be widened and the bridges between them must not be destroyed," Ambassador Orhun said.