summary report final aug.pdf

SOMALI MUSLIM HATE CRIME SUMMIT

CONFERENCE

PROCEEDINGS

July 12, 2008 Thistletown Multi-Service Centre

Etobicoke, Ontario

Organized By: In collaboration with:

Sponsored by:

Ministry of Attorney General

Somali Canadian Association of Etobicoke

Somali Muslim Hate Crime Summit Summary Report


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Somali Muslim Hate Crime Summit Summary Report


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TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 SOMALI MUSLIM HATE CRIME SUMMIT AGENDA 5 BASIS FOR THE SUMMIT 6 SUMMIT OVERVIEW 7 PARTNERS 8 GUEST SPEAKERS 10 THEATRE PRESENTATION 12 INSPIRATIONAL STORIES 13 RESEARCH PRESENTATION 13 PARTICIPANT DISCUSSION: 15 SUMMIT RECOMMENDATIONS 21 CLOSING REMARKS 23 EVALUATION OF THE SUMMIT 23 APPENDIX A: LIST OF PARTICIPANTS 29 APPENDIX B: COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION PROTOCOL 34 APPENDIX C: DEFINITIONS OF HATE CRIME AND DISCRIMINATION 36 APPENDIX D: SOMALI COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVE 37 APPENDIX E: RESPONSE AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES 42 APPENDIX F: SUMMIT EVALUATION WRITTEN RESPONSES 47

Somali Muslim Hate Crime Summit

Summary Report Somali Canadian

Association of Etobicoke

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SOMALI MUSLIM HATE CRIME SUMMIT AGENDA July 12, 2008

Thistletown Multi-Service Centre, auditorium 925 Albion Rd

Etobicoke North

3:00 p.m. –3:20 p.m. Participant Registration (Volunteers) 3:20 p.m. – 3:25 p.m. Opening remarks (Osman Ali and Sarah

Marsh) 3:25 a.m. – 4:00 a.m. Speakers • Dr. Shafiq Qaadri M.P.P. Etobicoke North • Barbara Dawson Communications Coordinator

Ontario Victim Services Secretariat, Ministry of the Attorney General

• Susan Hall City Councilor Ward 1 • Michael Federico Staff Superintendent,

Toronto Police Services • Mohamed Gileo G.M. Dejinta Beesha (victim of crime)

4:00 a.m. – 4:20 p.m. Theatre performance (MT Space Theatre) 4:20 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Inspirational Stories (Maryam Adam and Idil

Hussein) 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Research Presentation and discussions

(Sarah Marsh, Yasir Dildar and Participants) 5:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Evaluation and Closing remarks (Participants,

Eric Cader and Osman Ali)

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BASIS FOR THE SUMMIT

Almost seven years since that historical day, hate incidents and hate crimes against Muslims have increased significantly. Many groups have noticed, including the Ontario Human Rights Commission: “The Commission is particularly concerned by the rise of Islamophobia being experienced by Arab and Muslim communities” (Barbara Hall, Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, Annual Report, 2006). While the general public is aware that Ontario’s Arab Muslim communities have been targeted in recent years, the Somali Muslim victims of hate in the post-911 Canadian climate of fear have widely gone unacknowledged, as evidenced by a lack of literature on this victim group. Toronto’s black and Muslim communities are among the most victimized groups (Toronto Police Service Hate/Bias Crime Statistical Report, 2006). Included in these alarming statistics are only the Somali Muslim individuals who have reported crimes. Still, in our community, many hate incidents go undocumented and unaddressed because victims are often reluctant to talk with police, and too often, Somali Canadians are lacking in knowledge about Canadian laws, and about victim services. Up until this initiative, no large-scale, cross-sector efforts to bridge this gap and end the silence had been made. The Somali Muslim Hate Crimes Summit represented a beginning toward bridging the gap.

September 11, 2001. It was midday in Mississauga, GTA, and the tragic news of the events in New York City that would change the course of history had not yet reached the students in the ISNA Islamic School. Students and teachers were in class and preparing to go to the adjoining mosque for prayer, when they heard a loud shattering of glass. Someone had smashed the large front window of the mosque. It was the start of a new reality for these students and their families, many Somali-Canadian, who have since experienced a higher amount of hate incidences and hate crimes against their communities (as experienced by members of Somali Canadian Assoc. of Etobicoke).

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SUMMIT OVERVIEW On July 12, 2008 the Somali-Muslim Hate Crime Summit was held in Etobicoke, Ontario. The summit was organized as a way to engage multi-stakeholders in an innovative, multi-faceted community forum to: • Present the ‘current reality’ of hate-motivated incidents as experienced

by the Somali-Canadian Muslims • Review the research findings of the community focus group discussions • Discuss potential interventions In the process, participants had opportunities to: • Gain greater awareness and understanding of hate or discrimination

issues from a cultural-linguistic perspective • Develop practical ideas for future action The summit brought together stakeholders from diverse organizations to hear the findings from the study and to transform these findings into action. For many participants, it was the first time that so many community members had gathered together to discuss the sensitive topic of hate crimes. Following the guest speakers, Multicultural Theatre (MT) Space Company performed a piece to highlight the current reality of hate-motivated incidents experienced by Somali Muslims. The Centre for Community Based Research (CCBR) presented the main findings of the research and encouraged participants to further discuss the issue in terms of response and prevention strategies. In the end, the participants also provided their feedback about the summit and their recommendations for next steps. These recommendations are discussed in detail in the Summit Recommendations section of this report on page 19. In brief, they are: • Initiate awareness-raising campaigns • Work closely with government institutions especially with police • Work with schools on prevention and response strategies • Educate the Somali community about their legal rights • Network, collaborate and partner with other advocacy groups • Involve media in prevention efforts

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PARTNERS The main partner organizations were: Somali Canadian Association of Etobicoke (SCAE): SCAE was the lead organization responsible for overall project management, including logistical planning for the summit and community outreach. SCAE is non-profit community based organization established in 1987. The association is engaged in the provision of a wide array of services to Somali immigrants and refugees. Centre for Community Based Research (CCBR): CCBR was responsible for deepening community engagement through facilitation of pre-summit community groups. The CCBR team was also responsible for the summit evaluation and supporting the planning for the summit. CCBR is an independent, non-profit social research organization established in 1982. CCBR has managed over 250 research projects and has demonstrated its commitment to social change and development of communities that are responsive and supportive, especially to people with limited access to power and opportunity. Multicultural Theatre (MT) Space: MT Space developed a twenty-minute theatre presentation, based on research finding, at the summit. MT Space worked collaboratively with the project team to research, develop, write and present this performance. MT Space is a non-profit professional theatre company exploring multicultural themes with critical acclaim. MT Space has created a number of theatre presentations that have been highly effective in provoking productive cross-stakeholder discussions. Project Advisory Committee: The project advisory committee provided overall guidance and direction throughout the duration of the project. The committee included representatives of SCAE, CCBR, Dejinta Beesha (a Somali community centre), and the local police division. The project officer, Eric Cader, of the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General also provided his input during the community discussions and encouraged the participants to be part of the initiative. A number of youth volunteers from the Somali community also contributed to organizing the summit.

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SUMMIT OPENING The summit opened with welcoming remarks from co-hosts Osman Ali (Somali-Canadian Association of Etobicoke) and Sarah Marsh (Centre for Community Based Research). There were over 200 participants in the Auditorium at Thistletown Multi-Services Centre, representing a wide range of stakeholders including members of many cultural-linguistic communities, elders, youth, and representatives of government, police, politicians and funders. The majority of participants were from the Somali community. Participants came from across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). For a complete list of conference participants, see Appendix A.

Osman Ali and Sarah Marsh welcomed all the guests and introduced the project partners, other organizations represented and individuals involved in organizing the summit. They thanked the many volunteers who had contributed to the event as well as the Ministry of the Attorney General, Ontario for sponsoring this event. They also explained the agenda of the summit to the participants.

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Susan Hall, Toronto City Councillor of Ward 1 congratulated the efforts of the Summit organizers.

GUEST SPEAKERS Municipal, provincial, and federal government representatives were all present to address the summit participants in support the Summit, as were representatives of the police services and a Somali victim of crime.

Dr. Shafiq Qaadri, MPP Etobicoke North, was joined by his two children as he welcomed the summit participants. He presented a certificate to the organizers of the conference:

Barbara Dawson, Communications Coordinator of the Ontario Victim Services Secretariat spoke on behalf of the Minister of the Attorney General. In this picture, Ms. Dawson is talking with Eric Cader, also from the Ministry.

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Mohamed Gileo, Executive Director of

Dejinta Beesha (victim of crime) spoke from

personal experience of losing his son to violence. In this

picture, he is seated (on left) beside Mahad

Yusuf (middle) andRashid Osman (right)

of Midaynta Community Services.

Michael Federico, Staff Superintendent of Toronto Police Services offered his support of the initiative, and he shared some insights about Hate Crimes in the GTA.

From left to right: Michael Federico, Eric Cader, Barbara Dawson, Susan Hall, and Dr. Shafiq Qaadri.

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THEATRE PRESENTATION The project steering committee commissioned MT Space, an award-winning multicultural theatre company, to create a presentation for the summit based on the research findings. The actors, under the direction of Majdi Bou-Matar, worked closely with summit organizers, and Steering Committee members to create a piece that provided a sensitive yet powerful presentation of the issue of hate crime from the perspective of the Somali Muslim community. It included vignettes about a child’s experience having her hijab forcibly removed by her peers, different women’s experience of discrimination in the workplace, a youth’s experience with the police, and a man’s daily experience with stereotyping by others. Summit participants gave the cast a standing ovation. Comments from the evaluation forms concerning the theatre presentation were overwhelmingly positive. For example:

“It was one of the most unique theatre presentations, I have ever seen relating to hate crime and racism”

“Very good; I like that play. It reminded me of something similar that happened to my son”

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INSPIRATIONAL STORIES After the theatre performance, Summit participants heard from two individuals who had first-hand experience with serious incidents of hate. Both individuals shared their stories about situations of conflict and the manner with which they chose to handle the situations with dignity.

RESEARCH PRESENTATION Sarah Marsh and Yasir Dildar of CCBR presented a summary of the four Pre-Summit focus groups (Community Discussions). The Pre-Summit Community Discussion Group Questions are outlined in Appendix B. At the outset of each focus group discussion, the group facilitators provided definitions of hate crime and discrimination to keep the discussion focused (To see definitions used, please see Appendix C). However, hate incidents discussed during the focus groups were mainly examples of discrimination and most would not fall under the legal definition of ‘hate crime”. The focus group discussions revealed a common theme that hate and discrimination were difficult to define. Discrimination and hate are interconnected to such an extent that, for an average person, it is hard to distinguish between the two. The following is a summary of key findings. Further detailed quotes and examples are in Appendix D.

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The current reality

• Frequent incidents of hate/discrimination • Forms vary (continuum of hate discrimination: from verbal abuse to

physical harm) • Incidents can and do happen in neighbourhoods, grocery stores,

workplaces, schools, post secondary educational institutions (in short everywhere Somali Muslims come into contact with non-Muslims)

• Most vulnerable groups are youth/children and women wearing hijab

Main places and areas of experience with discrimination & hate

• Appearance o Women wearing hijab o The way women wear hijab

• Employment (and hijab) • Practising religious rituals • Youth and children • Education institutions (schools)

Causes of hate & discrimination

• Stereotypes (about Islam/Muslims, racial/Black people) • Media perpetuation of ignorance • Lack of awareness (information about other cultures, religions) • September 11, 2001

Impact of hate & discrimination

• Individual level o Lack of opportunities (e.g. employment) o Implications for citizenship status (especially for refugees) o Abandoning hijab and/or religious practices o Increasing number of Somali youth in trouble with the law

enforcing agencies (i.e. Police) • Community level

o Sense of helplessness and powerlessness among the Somali community

o Feelings of anger among the Somali community o Negative image of Canada (promoting hate/discrimination as

opposed to diversity)

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PARTICIPANT DISCUSSION:

Prevention and Response strategies The summit participants provided their perceptions and were asked to rage the effectiveness of different hate crime response and prevention strategies that had been earlier identified during community focus group discussions. Participants also suggested some additional ideas to effectively address hate crime issues. Feedback from Summit participants was received in verbal and written forms. To see all written comments provided on feedback forms, please see Appendix E.

Promote cultural competency training for public servants and members. (Summit Participant)

The Somali culture is very quiet and reserved; therefore there is not a lot of knowledge and information on the Somali and Muslim culture. The community should collaborate with more people and broader community groups for support. (Summit Participant)

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It would be good if there were summer programs helping teens understand what our kids go through. (Summit Participant)

More groups that are culturally diverse for example starting a camp that supports or helps the people who had been victimized in hate crimes. (Summit Participant)

Involvement of youth, police and media; we should all work together and put a stop to this. (Summit Participant)

Find out why current system is not working and fix the current system. Do not create a new mechanism; it might lead to duplication of services that are not working. (Summit Participant)

Summit participant feedback about suggested response strategies: Of all the identified strategies to support victims of hate crimes, community based organizations and human rights bodies were considered to be the most effective instruments respectively (very effective). Police, on the other hand, was considered to be least responsive by nearly a quarter of the respondents.

Chart 1: Participant perception about the effectiveness of justice or legal system to respond to hate crime victims.

Not at all effective

7% Very effective17%

Somewhat effective

42%Not sure 14%

A little effective 20%

N= 81

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Summit participant feedback about suggested response strategies continued:

Chart 3: Participant perceptions about the effectiveness of human rights bodies to respond to hate crime victims.



4%Very effective

25%

Somewhat effective

24%

Not sure 33%

Chart 2: Participant perception about the effectiveness of Police to respond to hate crime victims.

Not sure14%



23%

Very effective16%

Somewhat effective

28%

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N= 79





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Summit participant feedback on suggested prevention strategies: Half of the respondents viewed raising pubic awareness about cultural diversity as one of the most effective strategies to prevent hate incidents from happening. The next effective strategies were considered building partnership with advocacy groups and working in collaboration with educational institutions.

Chart 5: Participant perception about the effectiveness of raising public awareness to prevent hate crimes.


8%A little effective

10%

Not sure 10%

Somewhat effective

22%

Very effective 50%

N= 79

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Chart 4: Participant perceptions about the effectiveness of

community based organizations to respond to hate crime victims.

Not sure 16%

Somewhat effective

35%

Very effective 35%


4%A little effective

10%

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Summit participant feedback on suggested prevention strategies continued:

Chart 7: Participant perceptions about the effectiveness of building partnerships with advocacy groups to prevent hate crimes. Not at all

effective3%


Not sure 19%

Somewhat effective

29%

Very effective 38%

N= 80

Chart 6: Participant perceptions about the effectiveness of holding inter-faith dialogues to prevent hate crimes.

Somewhat effective

34%

Very effective24%


9%


Not sure 23%

N= 78





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Chart 8: Respondent perceptions about the effectiveness of collaborating with educational institutions to prevent hate crimes.

Somewhat effective

38%

Not sure 16%

A little effective5%

Very effective 38%


3%

N= 77

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SUMMIT RECOMMENDATIONS Participants at the summit noted that the issue of hate crime was complex and deep-rooted and that a one-time project would not be able to address it effectively. The Somali Muslim Hate Crime Summit was considered a modest attempt to involve multiple stakeholders in order to better understand and seek ideas to deal with the issue. The summit participants and the project advisory committee recognized that a multi-pronged strategy would be required to address this complex issue affecting a significant number of community members in our society. All the participants recommended sustained action in order to keep the momentum going. More than 200 participants discussed the issue, and approximately 80 participants provided written feedback on the strategies identified during the focus group discussions. Their responses tabulated in the charts below. For detailed written comments, and rating charts of different prevention and response strategies, please see Appendix C. Participants widely shared the view that the Somali-Canadian Association of Etobicoke and other partners of this project should be supported by the community in implementing the ideas they provided during the summit. Some of the important suggestions coming out of the summit discussions are summarized below: Initiate awareness-raising campaigns This was considered the most important strategy to deal with hate and discrimination issues. The participants discussed that sometimes such incidents happen because of ignorance or lack of information about other cultures and religions. They recommended initiating awareness raising campaigns about hate incidents by involving more cultural and religious groups and holding open dialogues. It was also considered important to outreach to a wider audience. They proposed holding similar kinds of summits or conferences by inviting people from the wider community. Work closely with government institutions especially with police Participants suggested working with different government institutions such as the legal system and the police. Police was considered to be the first contact point for victims of hate incidents. Participants emphasized a closer interaction between community organizations and police to tackle this problem. They proposed raising awareness among the police force and police, in turn, providing information to the community members about reporting procedures and legal aspects of hate incidents. Work with schools on prevention and response strategies It was stressed that schools and other educational institutions should have a strong anti-hate policy and effective implementation mechanisms in place. The participants suggested holding awareness raising sessions with students and teachers about cultural diversity and acceptance.

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Educate the Somali community about their legal rights Summit participants advised that the community based organizations such as the Somali Canadian Association of Etobicoke (SCAE) should create awareness among the Somali Muslim community about their legal rights and educate them on how to report such incidents. They highlighted the importance of involving ethnic media in such efforts. Network, collaborate and partner with other advocacy groups Summit participants found that there should be a close collaboration among different organizations working on this issue so that they could learn from each others’ experiences and have a stronger voice and wider impact. The SCAE should have close interaction with other Muslim organisations working in the GTA. Involve media in prevention efforts It was pointed out that media sometimes reinforced racial and religious stereotypes in the community. It was considered important to educate representatives of the media about cultural diversity and to encourage them in religious-cultural sensitive reporting.

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CLOSING REMARKS At the end of the formal portion of the event, Eric Cader commented on the excitement generated by the theatre performance, and the sense of possibility that had resulted from the summit discussions. He encouraged participants to keep the momentum going and to keep in mind that change requires collaboration. Osman Ali thanked all the organizations and especially the community members who attended this summit in large numbers. Immediately following, everyone was invited to join in a meal of traditional Somali food. It was a time for people to gather for informal discussions about the topic of the day, as they shared a delicious meal together.

EVALUATION OF THE SUMMIT Participants were asked to complete a one-page evaluation form provided in their Participant packages. Approximately 80 participants completed the written evaluation form. Their responses are summarized in the charts below. For a summary of written comments, see Appendix F. All feedback received from participants indicate that the Summit achieved its objectives to a great extent. The Summit was able to engage multi-stakeholders to raise awareness about hate incidents experienced by the Somali Muslim community. Both pre-summit and summit discussions generated ideas and identified some concrete actions to effectively respond to victims of hate and to prevent hate incidents. The summit also pointed out the need for collaboration of multi-stakeholders in order to effectively deal with this serious social issue. Overall, participants found that the summit had increased their understanding about hate incidents against Somali Muslims and it provided them an opportunity to express their views. They also found this initiative to be helpful in facilitating discussions around response and prevention strategies. They suggested holding more large-scale events.

Very great start to a process of increasing awareness on a very important topic element [topic] that needs attention on many levels. (Summit Participant)

The best! I am hoping you are having another wonderful meeting just like today; wish you the best of luck for next year and I thank you for your help to the community for noticing how much horrible thing our kids are facing. (Summit Participant)

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An overwhelming majority (84%) of the respondents found that the summit met their expectations (very much or much).

Exactly 80% of respondents found that the summit had increased their understanding of hate crimes (very much or much), in particular against Muslims.

Chart 1: The extent to which respondent expectations from the summit were met.

much 42%

somewhat 15%

not at all1%

very much 42%

N= 81

Chart 2: The extent to which summit increased respondent understanding about hate crimes against Muslims.

a little7%

somewhat 13%

much 39%

very much 41%

N= 83

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The majority (63%) of the respondents found that the summit provided them an opportunity to express their views and opinions (very much or much). Only 15 % expressed that summit did not provide such an opportunity to them (a little or not at all).

Nearly three quarter of the respondents felt that the summit facilitated discussion about the response strategies to support victims of hate crimes (very much or much).

Chart 3: The extent to which summit provided an opportunity to respondent to express their opinions and views.

much36%

somewhat 22%

a little 11%

not at all4%

very much27%

N= 81

Chart 4: The extent to which summit facilitate discussion to effectively respond to victims of hate crimes.

much46%

somewhat 21%

a little5% very much

28%

N= 82

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More than 70% of the respondents noted that the summit facilitated discussion to identify strategies to prevent hate incidents (very much or much).

Chart 5: The extent to which summit facilitate discussions to identify ways and means to prevent hate crime incidents.

a little 10%

somewhat 19%

much35%

very much 36%

N= 80

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APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: LIST OF PARTICIPANTS ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. APPENDIX B: COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION PROTOCOLERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. APPENDIX C: DEFINITIONS OF HATE CRIME AND DISCRIMINATIONERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINE

APPENDIX D: SOMALI COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVEERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. APPENDIX E: RESPONSE AND PREVENTION STRATEGIESERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. APPENDIX F: SUMMIT EVALUATION WRITTEN RESPONSESERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

28 Appendix: Somali Muslim Hate Crime SummitSummary Report

Appendix: Somali Muslim Hate Crime Summit

Summary Report 29

Appendix A: LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Name Organization 1 Barbara Dawson OVSS 2 Mohammed Qaadri M.P.P 3 Dr.Kristy Duncan Liberal Candidate 4 Linda Chihab Ministry of Attorney 5 Susan Hall Councillor, Ward 1 6 Sharon Vyse Yorktown Chills and Family 7 Muna Mohammed Midaynta 8 Fathuma .A. Alim Somali immigration 9 Zeinab Abdulle Dejinta Beesha 10 Faisal Ibrahim 11 Huda Abbas MIAG 12 Ghulam .A. Sajan Iaa of Canada and mug 13 Patrica Wilson Mag 14 Nicole .D. Anthony African canadian legal 15 Rashid Osman Somaliland Can society 16 Abdul Hai Patel MCC Toronto police 17 Osman Haji Somaliland org 18 Abukar Mohoned Yorktown family 19 Caltha Richards Women’s Habitat 20 Jwaheir sabid VWAP 21 Khadra Hussien Jwand FS 22 Ron Deversa CIUT 89.5FM 23 Tania Tabor CKIN 24 Sumaya Abdi Somali Community 25 Nahida 26 Ridha Samad Somali Community 27 Safia .A. Elmi Somali Community 28 Ismail Ali Somali Community 29 Said a Ahmed Somali Community 30 Faduma .H. Isse Somali Community 31 Abshir Somali Community 32 Khadir Bacchus Somali Community 33 Khadijah Abdi Somali Community 34 Ayan Dine Somali Community 35 Ahmed Dirie Somali Community 36 Saido Hassan Somali Community 37 Bashi Somali Community 38 Ahmed Farah Somali Community 39 Ms. Abdulle Somali Community 40 Nasra Abdulle Somali Community 41 Suad Ahmed Somali Community 42 Qadra Hassan Somali Community 43 Hoden Abdinasir Somali Community 44 Aisha Somali Community 45 Mohammed Weis Somali Community 46 Ali Mohammed Somali Community


47 Aicha Osman Somali Community 48 Abdirihman Abdi Somali Community 49 Aadam Somali Community 50 Shukri Abshir Somali Community 51 Farah noor Midaynta 52 Sadiya Noor Midaynta 53 Ahmed Musa Community member 54 Chris Kettlewell 55 Muhammad Bursari Community member 56 Ismail Muhammed Community member 57 Frank Chen The MT Space 58 Maria Ali Community member 59 Mahmoud Ali Community member 60 Safia Ali Community member 61 Abdullahi Ali Community member 62 Jibril Abdi Community member 63 Dr.abdullahi Sabri Community member 64 Muhammed Saleh Community member 65 Nasir Egal Community member 66 Zahra Shiblawe Community member 67 Idil Nur Community member 68 Ali Midaya Community member 69 Conora Journal 70 Osman Diido Community member 71 Jonna a Karim Community member 72 Amino Aden Community member 73 Haredo Mohammed Dejinta Beesha 74 Barlin Ali Midaynta 75 Ardo Abdulle Community member 76 Isir Isse Community member 77 Sado Aden Ali Community member 78 Ahmed Mohammed Community member 79 Pam Pitches 80 Saynab Ali Community member 81 Ahmed Mulki Community member 82 Idil Hussein Community member 83 Asha Egal Community member 84 Sufi Shlobe Community member 85 Shirwa Egal Community member 86 Idil Mohammed Community member 87 Faduma Warsame Community member 88 Faduma Dirye Community member 89 Shukri Hassan Community member 90 Emily Codlin 91 Saida Musse Community member 92 Sasha Noor 93 Hirisiyo Soeraar Community member 94 Abdirishid.M.Yusuf Community member 95 Hawa Jibril Community member 96 Abdishakur Ali Community member 97 Abdi Suleiman Community member


Summary Report 31

98 Mohammed Omar Community member 99 M.Muse Community member 100 Zahra Haji Community member 101 Ali Muhammed Somali community 102 Yusuf m Ahmed Somali community 103 Yassin A Somali community 104 Neil Shreadhar Canadian community 105 Ubah a Ahmed SCAE community 106 Iman Mahmoud Somali community 107 Hoden Haji Somali community 108 Amina Yassin SCAE community 109 Sumaya Abdi SCAE community 110 Hadiya Geedi Somali community 111 Osman Ali Somali community 112 Mahmoud Hassen Somali community 113 Zakeria Abdullahi Somali community 114 Amina Isse Somali community 115 Muna Dahir Somali community 116 Adbinur Aden Air bound travel inc 117 Warda Abdi Somali community 118 Safia Hajjimar Somali community 119 Halima Yasin Jama Somali community 120 Ruqiyo Abdi Somali community 121 Hadiyo Geedi Somali community 122 Sarah m Farah Somali community 123 Halima Abdi Somali community 124 Fathuma Isse Somali community 125 Sakhar Ahmed Somali community 126 Dahabo Farah Somali community 127 Ahmed a Ahmed Somali community 128 Nasra ali Buralle Somali community 129 Hassen Ahmed Somali community 130 Jamac a Abukar Somali community 131 Mumen a Ahmed Somali community 132 Blessing Nehiweze Somali community 133 Fowzia Mahad Somali community 134 Halima Somali community 135 Amina Muhammed Somali community 136 Amina Isse Somali community 137 Fuad Abdi Somali community 138 Mohmoud Ahmed Somali community 139 Mohammed Amin Somali community 140 Shukri Hussein Somali community 141 Sagal Hussein Somali community 142 Zuhur Abdullahi Somali community 143 Hiba Omar Somali community 144 Bryan Kettlewell Canadian community 145 Coural Kettlewell Canadian community 146 Khadra Hussien Somali community 147 Isse Somali community


148 Jawahir Said Somali community 149 Mohammed Ahmed Somali community 150 Asha Ali Hashi Somali community 151 Ashwaq Kulmiye Somali Community Member 152 Mardia Mohamed Somali Community Member 153 Cawo Cabdi Somali Community Member 154 Ifrah M. Dirie Somali Community Member 155 Farhiya M. Ahmed Somali Community Member 156 Layla Jimacle Somali Community Member 157 Farhiya Jamac Nur Somali Community Member 158 Sundus Yusuf Somali Community Member 159 Nawal Abdi Somali Community Member 160 Katra Yusuf Somali Community Member 161 Hudan Ibrahim Somali Community Member 162 Osman Abdirasak Somali Community Member 163 Ikram Mohammed Somali Community Member 164 Amina Ibrahim Somali Community Member 165 Osamn Ibrahim Somali Community Member 166 Abdirisak Osman Somali Community Member 167 Yasmin Gure Somali Community Member 168 Abdirashid Ali Somali Community Member 169 Asia Abdi Somali Community Member 170 Suada Adan Somali Community Member 171 Khadija Ibrahim Somali Community Member 172 Aisha Mohamed Somali Community Member 173 Mohamed Mohameed Somali Community Member 174 Ikram Bashir Somali Community Member 175 Karima Mahmoud Somali Community Member 176 Ilhan Suleiman Somali Community Member 177 Faduma Suleiman Somali Community Member 178 Ali Ibrahim Somali Community Member 179 Xalimo Wagad Somali Community Member 180 Suwel Gurra Somali Community Member 181 Hudan Ali Sauad Somali Community Member 182 Hodan.E. Ahmed Somali Community Member 183 Bashir Abshir Somali Community Member 184 Ali Noor Somali Community Member 185 Mohammed Hassan Somali Community Member 186 Anab Dahir Hassan Somali Community Member 187 Ayan Mahamed Somali Community Member 188 Suada Egal Somali Community Member 189 Guled Adan Somali United Team 190 Simon Noal Somali United Team 191 Mahir Gaas Somali United Team 192 Mohamed Hassan Somali United Team 193 Abdirahman Omar Somali United Team 194 Abdirazik Somali United Team 195 Kamil Somali United Team 196 Nuuradin Somali United Team 197 Abdulkadir Somali United Team 198 Mohamed Duale Somali United Team


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199 Mohamed Haji-Nur Somali United Team 200 Ahmed Farah Somali United Team 201 Ahmeday Somali United Team 202 Hassan Jama Somali United Team 203 Abdul Isse Somali United Team 204 Rashid Mohamed Darul-Hijra Islamic Centre 205 Dr. Shafiq Qadir M.P.P. Etobicoke North 206 Michael Federico Staff Superintendent, Toronto

Police Services 207 Sarah Marsh Centre for Community Based

Research 208 Eric Cader Ontario Victim Services

Secretariat 209 Yasir Dildar Centre for Community Based

Research 210 Ali Ibrahim Somali Community Member


Appendix B: COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION PROTOCOL

Introduction / Understanding of Hate Crime The facilitators will begin with a brief introduction of the reason for

discussion, definitions, and continuum of hate. We will discuss the different levels of hate, from discrimination to

crime, and we will name where different types of hate-motivated activities fall along that continuum. • Abusive language, harassment, emotional abuse, threats,

physical abuse, physical injury, murder. Involvement In what way have you been involved on the issue of hate crimes?

• Have you experienced/witnessed? • Were you involved in helping victims of hate crimes

(advocacy, other services) The Current Reality What kind/forms of hate incidents, crimes are more prevalent? What tends to be the target of hate incidents and crimes?

• Gender, Religion, Race, Language/accent, appearance Causes of Hate Crimes In your view, what are the main reasons for such crimes? Impact of Hate Crimes What do you think is the impact of hate crimes?

• Individual level, community level (Somali community, Muslim community and community at large)

Prevention of Hate Crimes What actions or strategies are currently being used to prevent hate

crimes and promote increased tolerance, acceptance, equity, and celebration of diverse cultures?

What are the gaps/challenges to effectively prevent hate crimes from

occurring? What should be happening?


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Response to Hate Crimes To what extent are the existing or available strategies or

mechanism(s) adequate to address the issue of hate crimes and to support victims of hate crimes? • justice or legal system • police • Human rights bodies • Other

What are the gaps/challenges to effectively respond to this issue? What should be happening? Identification of Best Practices Are you aware of any best/promising initiative to support victims or to

prevent hate crimes from other Muslim Communities, regionally, nationally, or internationally?

How can we learn more about these initiatives that you described

above? • Are there contact names and coordinates for those leading

those initiatives? • Are there web links for those initiatives?

Other Suggestions Do you have any other suggestion to effectively address the issue of hate crime in general and for Somali Muslim community in particular?


Appendix C: DEFINITIONS OF HATE CRIME AND DISCRIMINATION

Hate crimes: Hate crimes1 occur when a perpetrator targets a victim because of his or her membership in a certain social group, usually defined by racial group, religion, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, nationality, age, gender, gender identity, or political affiliation. Hate crimes can take many forms. Incidents may involve physical assault, damage to property, bullying, harassment, verbal abuse or insults, or offensive graffiti or letters. A HATE CRIME is a criminal offence committed against a person, group of people or property that is based upon race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender or disability2. What is Discrimination3? Direct Discrimination occurs when a person is treated less favourably than another in a comparable situation because of their racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. An example of direct discrimination is a job advertisement, which says "no disabled people need apply." However, in reality discrimination is often manifested in more subtle forms of indirect discrimination. Indirect discrimination occurs when an apparently neutral provision, criterion or practice would disadvantage people on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation unless the practice can be objectively justified by a legitimate aim. An example of indirect discrimination is requiring all people who apply for a certain job to write a test in a particular language, even though that language is not necessary for the job. The test would potentially exclude people writing in a second language.

1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hate_crime 2 Media Awareness Network http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/resources/educational/handouts/internet/hate_crime.cfm 3 http://www.stop-discrimination.info/46.0.html


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Appendix D: SOMALI COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVE

The Current Reality Focus group participants were unanimous in reporting that incidents of hate/discrimination are quite frequent in the community and all the participants either have experienced or witnessed such incidents. These incidents can take various forms and they range along a continuum of hate, starting with discriminatory remarks (undesirable use of language/remarks about a person), to humiliation, and extending to the realm of hate crimes with actual physical harm.

We usually hear such comments ‘all you Muslim people need to die’ etc (Focus Group Participant)

Most of the crimes we face are negative comments, staring, harassment, and sometimes physical harm (e.g. pushing) (Focus Group Participant)

I have seen …a person in the area having 3 dogs with Muslim names (Focus Group Participant) I faced this discrimination or hate when I was driving and the other lady coming the wrong way saying ‘you stupid Muslims’. (Focus Group Participant) Women going to mosques wearing perfume etc are given such remarks ‘it stinks’ etc. (Focus Group Participant)

Focus group participants expressed that they experienced such incidents in their own neighbourhoods, at grocery stores, workplaces, schools and post secondary educational institutions; in short, everywhere they come into contact with non-Muslims. They found it a structural problem with a lot of ramifications both for the Somali community and for the Canadian society as whole. There was an agreement during the discussions that while different segments of the Somali community might be more vulnerable than others, by and large all Somalis face some kind of discrimination or hate in their public life. The most vulnerable groups include older Somalis, youth, children and women. From the discussions, these incidents can be grouped into the following main categories:


Appearance (women’s dress): The first and foremost targeted groups are women wearing hijab. The women participants noted that their appearance or clothes had a significant impact on the way that other people treat them.

It’s kind of layers. First we are women, then black women, then Muslim black women and then Muslim black women wearing hijab. (Focus Group Participant)

Further, it is not only the hijab but how the women wear hijab also determine the kind of treatment that Somali women get.

I have a family member of mine. She used to wear hijab but right now she started wearing like the modern way where her hair and neck is visible [now she is not facing that kind of discrimination] (Focus Group Participant) The day I started wearing ‘hijab’ I experienced being treated differently at the workplace (in monetary terms and other ways). I was made to pray in bathroom. I was called black witch. I am told why you don’t work with your own people. I have been in Canada for the 14 years and I never felt discrimination but when I started wearing ‘hijab’ it began. (Focus Group Participant)

Employment (and hijab): The other category which is related to women wearing hijab is the employment issue. Women reported that even if they were more qualified than others they would not get a job simply because of their appearance (wearing hijab).

She [another participant in the group] is a university graduate; she applied everywhere but never got a job. They call after looking at the resume, they call for interview but when they see her covering her head/wearing hijab they say sorry. I am sure if she removes her hijab and wear Western clothes definitely they will hire her. (Focus Group Participant)

Religion (religious practices): The third category is the problem or concern for not having any place to pray at the workplace, including big corporations, Some participants had inquired about praying at their workplaces, and had been advised to do so in the washroom. Participants found this quite insulting and humiliating.

The ignorance of the system or institutions that would smile back at a person with ultimate politeness and say why don’t you pray in the wash room, which I find very insulting. (Focus Group Participant)


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Youth/children: The fourth category identified during the discussions was that Somali youth, especially males, were stopped constantly by police and questioned. They would ask such questions as ‘why are you here’, ‘why do you have this car’, ‘where did you get this fancy car’ etc-- basically the perception that if you are a Somali or African you should not have a good car; you should not walk in the street late at night.

These are the stereotypes and pre-conceived notions that police officers have the right to ask irrelevant questions just because the person is black or Somali or Muslim looking. (Focus Group Participant) This [questioning by police] is a usual happening here, it happens to us all the time. Why only our children/youth are stopped and questioned and not others. It is very strange as police will not stop a white young man in this neighbourhood and ask for identity. (Focus Group Participant)

School/Education: Many of the participants pointed out that their children are facing many problems in public schools and other educational institutions. They see teachers that have prejudices and discriminate against black [Somali] children.

The teachers just assume that we [Somalis] are not capable of doing things etc, they will keep questioning you. (Focus Group Participant)

Causes of Hate Crimes For the Somali participants the single most important cause for their being victim of such crime is their religion. The frequency of such incidents has increased particularly after September 11, 2001. The other contributing factors in addition to being Muslim include skin colour, and for women, gender. Impact of Hate Crimes Participants spoke about harmful impacts at the individual and community level. At the individual level, such incidents obviously have an impact on opportunities that an individual has, such as employment. A participant discussed that just being involved with police, pulled over, or given a warning etc, had implications for citizenship, especially for refugees. Moreover, in fear of losing jobs or not getting them, some girls have started taking their scarves off (though they want to wear them otherwise). Because of police maintaining racial profiles, many Somali youth are put in jails.

They don’t see me as a person but recognize me through my clothing/appearance. I am victim of being woman, being Muslim, being of color, being minority, being immigrant. With


all these I feel I am alone in this country and struggle by myself. There is no hope … (Focus Group Participant)

At the Somali community level, the participants discussed that there was a growing sense of helplessness and powerlessness, and feelings of anger among the Somali community. These feelings of despair led to the community losing its confidence to do something.

Nothing will change…..we are still immigrants. This meeting is not the first of its kind, several such meetings or discussions had taken place. We are making efforts to come here to explain, telling you our stories but I don’t think that you can do anything. (Focus Group Participant)

Hate crimes result in negative impacts on the Canadian society as a whole. The focus group participants noted that this contradicts the welcoming image of Canada promoting diversity, as in reality the Somalis face lots of discrimination.

We are a branch of a tree [Canadian Society] if one is not dying the rest will die eventually too. (Focus Group Participant)

Response to and Prevention of Hate Crimes Participants were either unaware of existing response and prevention actions or strategies currently used to address hate crimes or were quite unsatisfied with them. For many, the police institution as an instrument to address this problem is proving counterproductive and they see it more as a problem than a solution.

An incident happened to me in the York University (negative remarks) and I reported it to the authorities but nothing happened. They ask for proof which is difficult to provide in such instances when you face verbal abuse. (Focus Group Participant)

Participants, however, provided ideas to effectively respond and prevent such crimes. These ideas can be grouped under: Raising awareness: Creating awareness about cultural diversity among community members especially police, youth groups and public transport personnel was recommended as an important strategy. Participants also felt the need to create awareness among the Somali community about their rights as its ignorance sometimes lead to non-reporting of such incidents. They see here the role of Somali community to educate others about their culture.


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You need to know your rights so that you can initiate some action. (Focus Group Participant)

Holding inter-faith dialogues: Participants suggested organizing inter-faith dialogues to create a better understanding of other religions.

We should have inter-faith dialogues, inviting others on cultural days. (Focus Group Participant)

Building partnerships: It was suggested that joining hands with other organizations and groups for advocacy purposes would certainly enhance the effectiveness of each others’ efforts. One participant recommended forming one umbrella organization or network of all the Somali associations working in Toronto.

No single person can change the society; we have to do this working with others. (Focus Group Participant)

Collaboration with educational institutions: Participants also discussed the importance of organizing cultural diversity programs in schools. For them, this will create tolerance and acceptance among the children from an early age. They also suggested recruiting teachers from other/different cultural backgrounds.

There was also a realization among the participants that Somali community could not just blame the society rather it should share the responsibility to effectively respond to such incidents by fighting for their rights and also by educating themselves about the Canadian way of life.

It is ok to get hurt, but you have to stand up for your rights. (Focus Group Participant) We can’t continue blaming the society. We also have to correct ourselves. We have to understand that they are from different background; they didn’t travel around as we did. I think the government has to reach out to the Canadians to educate them. We also have to understand them as this is an individualistic society unlike ours. (Focus Group Participant)


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Appendix E: RESPONSE AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES

WRITTEN FEEDBACK

• Awareness raising to diverse community members and to service providers. Events like this are very helpful

• To make some sessions to other people who are from different cultures and religions

• Form alliance with other minorities • Community education, information and getting the resources

to community in order to do public awareness. • Awareness not just for diversity but also respect the choice of

individual. I don’t think that I have explained to each and every one that I think or encounter to why am I doing this (for example wearing hijab)

• Have sessions in schools as part of regular curriculum vs. extra curricular activity. This will help reinforce to kids and teachers how important hate crimes are and how to prevent it.

• Hold effectively seminar of awareness of hate crime and educate other people how is very bad to be that student

• Religious tolerance should be taught at a young age. By making it a part of the school studies. Learning and teaching different religion fosters tolerance.

• To educate persons’ rights. • Provide information and resources • Educate offensive person not to harm anyone’s feelings. All

people are equal they should respect each other • First of all, media is very effective way to prevent crimes. • We have to have strong Somali community association, which

is ready to help their people • Since we are new to culture we should have a system which

can help our youth • More education of this topic in school, churches etc • Advocacy and increase community collaboration • Awareness and freedom of culture is one of the chapters of

Canada • Educate high level institutions of Canada • The community has to work more effectively • Better community support groups should be established


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• Participation and more knowledge and education for police force and the education system. Different religions should be a part of the school curriculum

• Our community have more concerns about the police actions; they should improve their actions about racism

• To listen to victim before making assumptions; People to respect everyone’s religion

• Let the people know each other • Support awareness about culture • Raising public awareness about cultural diversity; holding

inter-faith dialogues • More of whatever works (outreach, awareness and everything

else showing promise as being effective) • We need help at school • Engaging and continuously connecting with victims of hate

crimes • Advocating for educating victim’s community members at

large • People are being victimized everyday and we all tend to

ignore it. But I think it’s time to stand against this. • Police need to support victims of hate crimes to decrease and

stop the spreading of hate crimes • The school should be more involved with youth that are

affected by hate crimes • Schools should be involved. They should teach kids about

hate crime and how it kill some kids’ self esteem • Families coming together to help each other. Parents need to

be aware that they need to teach their children more about hate crimes.

• Other strategies should be to support victims of hate crimes in community organizations which helps them feel at home within their community

• Hate crime is now becoming a major problem in our society and it’s time we should put a stop to it. If everyone just start from themselves we can get somewhere

• Society should be more aware and media should play a big part

• We should involve the police and make them more aware of hate crime

• More organizations should be involved to fight against hate crimes


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• It would be good if there were summer programs helping teens understand what our kids go through

• Youth groups; more play like this one • Anything to stop hate crime or hate incidents • Youth involvement in summits • More police involvement • Should include more school organization • Youth be more aware • More groups for victims to adapt too • Involve different organizations • Less police accusing Black youth and Muslims and less patrol

(not expecting them as criminals) • Make groups that are culturally diverse so people from other

cultures and other religions share their views • More public schools which have programs that interact with

other private schools • I am not sure but it would be grate to have more conferences

like this one so people can be more aware of hate crimes • Make groups for example camps that are culturally diverse

because these days little kids are holding on to this community beliefs about Muslims

• Increase awareness • Encourage more dialogue; increase awareness • Increase the dialogue; learn through diversity • Create more government funded programs and interactive

activities • Help communities through new interactive programs • Hold more community discussions • Invite more faith organizations • More group activities • Have an organization dedicated to the cause • School based programs • Increase dialogue • We also should have more skit or plays to create awareness

about hate crimes • Involve police and school • More programs • More community sponsored/funded activities and outreach

programs


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• Canada is a multicultural country. Equal respect for all religions, cultures and ethnic groups, especially women wearing hijab

• More groups that are culturally diverse for example starting a camp that supports or helps the people who had been victimized in hate crimes

• Involve police • Involvement of youth, police and media; we should all work

together and put a stop to this • More youth groups that deal with hate crime prevention

because the youth need to be educated more • The police should be more involved because people depend

on the police for protection • Police, schools, community, youth groups, media all should

have a say about crime and should try to stop it • The police and community should support our youth victims

and other victims that need support • The community should be more involved with supporting

those who have been victims of hate • Educational sessions in schools (elementary and high

schools) to educate students, teachers and administrative staff about diversity appreciation and the impact of biases on children future. It would be ideal to include parents as well.

• Some Canadian communities to support others by telling others to respect each other

• Continuous community meeting to address and resolve hate crime issues and community education.

• Community based organization to hold seminars/workshops to discuss the issue

• Police to be educated/legal system • The government should support the communities which are

victims of hate crimes • Government should fund advocacy groups to help victims of

hate crimes • Find out why current system is not working and fix the current

system. Do not create a new mechanism; it might lead to duplication of services that are not working.

• Discrimination exists. Awareness and education is very important to reach out to the community

• Leaders and people in positions should stress more on love, unity and working together

• Our undercover people should try to stop hate crime


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• Train some persons and institutions such as the police • Prevention through more advocacy and education, start from

the TDSB staff and police officers • More workshops • If you see hate crime or any that regard try to stop it if you

can but not taking law in your hand (i.e. speaking to them/others)

• The Somali culture is very quiet and reserved; therefore there is not a lot of knowledge and information on the Somali and Muslim culture. The community should collaborate with more people and broader community groups for support

• Government should elaborate about the youth actions; women who wear hijab should have a place to meet and share their concerns

• Invite other groups in your homes • We have to be united and we have to stop raising different

ethnicities • Promote cultural competency training for public servants and

members


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Appendix F: SUMMIT EVALUATION WRITTEN RESPONSES

• It was one of the unique theatre presentations, I have ever

seen relating to hate crime and racism • Very great start to a process of increasing awareness on a

very important elements that needs attention on many levels • I believe that there is more than be done to solve this problem • I like the play; It was very interesting event • I like the whole summit and the play • Nothing to say but a very good summit • Good play; Well understanding of the summit • It was perfect • Not much to say other than it was good • I love the play • The play was good • Have more program that are community based • The play was great • More community programs • Have more interactive activities • More activities • Hate crime should be stopped; doesn’t matter what nationality

are you from • I have no comment but it was amazing, fantastic; the play was

just so outstanding • The best! I am hoping you are having another wonderful

meeting just like today; wish you the best of luck for next year and I thank you for your help to the community for noticing how much horrible thing our kids are facing

• It was good but be more aware of offending some people • No comments, other than that hate crime should be a crime

that is taken very seriously • It’s so mind-bogging how horrible hate crime can be. The sad

part is our kids have to face it everyday in our community • Very good; I like that play. It reminded me of something

similar that happened to my son • Well planned summit • I really loved the play

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