International Movement for Peace & Coexistence

IMPAC Belgium (International Movement for Peace & Coexistence) is an international non-profit organisation based in Brussels, dedicated to promoting human rights, social justice, freedom of religion, belief & conscience, tolerance, and mutual understanding across the globe. With a strong focus on combating disinformation, extremism and discrimination, IMPAC fosters dialogue, peace, and coexistence.

Latest News...

IMPAC Welcomes EC Appointment of Mairead McGuinness as New EU Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief
March 27 2026
IMPAC welcomes the European Commission’s appointment of Mairead McGuinness as the new EU Special Envoy for the Promotion and Protection of Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the European Union, announced yesterday as a decisive step towards strengthening the Union’s commitment to human rights and civil-society engagement on FORB.
The move comes in response to sustained calls from the European Parliament, religious communities and civil-society organisations for renewed high-level leadership on this fundamental freedom.
 
IMPAC President Patricia Teitelbaum stated: “This appointment sends a strong and timely signal that freedom of religion or belief remains a core priority for European external action. We look forward to close cooperation with the new Special Envoy so that civil-society expertise directly shapes policy and accelerates the implementation of the current EU Call for Proposals.”
 
The Special Envoy’s mandate will focus on mainstreaming FORB across EU instruments, monitoring violations, promoting interfaith dialogue and supporting grassroots initiatives that counter extremism, discrimination and intolerance.
 
These priorities align closely with IMPAC’s advocacy at the European Parliament, its interfaith programmes in Belgium and the educational, community-resilience and cross-border collaboration themes at the heart of the ongoing EU Call for Proposals.
 
IMPAC has already extended its full support and stands ready to share practical experience gained from years of fieldwork and institutional dialogue. The organisation believes the new Special Envoy will bring the necessary continuity and visibility to translate political commitments into measurable protection for religious minorities and tangible support for civil-society actors working to build tolerant and cohesive societies.
 
IMPAC reaffirms its dedication to working with the new EU Special Envoy, European institutions and partner organisations to advance freedom of religion or belief, combat extremism and promote peaceful coexistence through education, dialogue and accountable funding.
IMPAC Welcomes Further European Court of Human Rights Progress on FORB Cases Involving Türkiye
March 28 2026
IMPAC welcomes the European Court of Human Rights’ decision to communicate additional applications concerning violations of freedom of religion or belief in Türkiye, following the February Parliament resolution on media freedom and religious minorities.
The cases involve Christians facing expulsion and harassment solely for practising their faith. IMPAC reiterates its support for the affected individuals and calls on the EU to translate parliamentary and judicial concern into sustained diplomatic engagement and targeted assistance.
 
The developments reinforce the importance of the themes addressed in the current EU Call for Proposals, particularly the protection of vulnerable minorities and the strengthening of civil-society monitoring and rehabilitation programmes. President Patricia Teitelbaum noted that such cases underscore the need for robust EU mechanisms to ensure accountability and support for victims.
 
IMPAC remains committed to international advocacy, rehabilitation support and close cooperation with European institutions to defend FORB and promote peaceful coexistence.
IMPAC Marks International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: Strengthening the Link with FORB
March 21 2026
IMPAC joins the global observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, highlighting the intersection between racial and religious discrimination and the urgent need for integrated policy responses.
In a statement issued today, President Patricia Teitelbaum stressed that extremism frequently exploits overlapping forms of prejudice to undermine social cohesion.
 
The message stressed that combating all forms of discrimination through civil-society action, education and dialogue is vital.
 
IMPAC calls on EU institutions to prioritise projects that address multiple and intersecting discriminations, particularly those affecting religious minorities in diverse communities. The organisation continues to promote interfaith and intercultural programmes that foster mutual understanding and prevent radicalisation at grassroots level.
 
IMPAC reaffirms its dedication to working alongside European partners to advance equality, tolerance and the full protection of freedom of religion or belief for every individual, regardless of race, ethnicity or faith.
IMPAC President Patricia Teitelbaum Calls for Greater Scrutiny of Educational Content at European Parliament Roundtable
March 18 2026

Organised in cooperation with the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), and hosted by Lukas Mandl MEP, the gathering aimed to foster open exchange, share best practices and strengthen cooperation against rising extremism.

IMPAC President Patricia Teitelbaum took part today in a high-level breakfast roundtable at the European Parliament entitled “Combating Antisemitism in Europe by Confronting Extremism.”
 
The event, hosted by Austrian EPP MEP Lukas Mandl, vice-chair of the Working Group Against Antisemitism, brought together MEPs, EU officials, security experts and civil-society representatives. Organised in cooperation with the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), the gathering aimed to foster open exchange, share best practices and strengthen cooperation against rising extremism.
 
A central figure was Shannon Seban, Director of European Affairs at CAM, who drew on her experience as a former city councillor in Rosny-sous-Bois and her recent appointment as National Secretary of Les Républicains in charge of combating antisemitism and racism.
 
She presented CAM’s May 2025 report on extremism in France, already cited by the Dutch parliament, and highlighted the movement’s network of more than 1,000 interfaith partner organisations and over five million activists.
 
IMPAC President Patricia Teitelbaum enriched the discussion with a strong call for greater scrutiny of educational content and funding streams. She warned that certain NGOs are providing material in schools that echoes extremist ideologies, creating an echo chamber with online hate and underscoring the urgent need to address this dimension alongside security measures.
 
European Commission Coordinator Katharina von Schnurbein outlined the EU’s 2021–2030 strategy and recent legislative and policy initiatives. Belgian Federal Police Chief Commissioner and counter-terrorism expert Saad Amrani stressed the importance of tackling both online threats and the broader grassroots atmosphere of antisemitism in communities.
 
In his concluding remarks, host Lukas Mandl described the fight against antisemitism as “an everyday endeavour” that must involve every citizen — from policymakers to educators and families.The roundtable concluded with a shared commitment to decisive, cross-sector action.
 
IMPAC welcomes this important platform and reaffirms its dedication to working with European institutions and partners to protect Jewish communities and defend democratic values through education, funding accountability and collective vigilance.
IMPAC Joins Newroz Celebrations at the European Parliament, invited by the Kurdish Regional Government Mission to the EU
March 17 2026
IMPAC was delighted to attend the official Newroz celebration held at the European Parliament, co-organised by Swedish MEP Evin Incir and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Representation to the European Union, led by Delavar Ajgeiy.
The special ceremony brought together numerous Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), international diplomats, Kurdish representatives and civil-society organisations. A highlight of the evening was the prominent raising of the Kurdistan flag inside the European Parliament, symbolising the strong and growing ties between the Kurdish people and European institutions.
 
Newroz, the traditional Kurdish New Year celebrated around the spring equinox, symbolises renewal, hope, freedom and resistance. The gathering featured traditional Kurdish music, cultural performances and heartfelt exchanges that celebrated the rich Kurdish heritage while underscoring shared values of democracy, human rights and solidarity.
 
Evin Incir MEP and the KRG Mission to the EU hosted the event to mark this important cultural occasion and to strengthen dialogue and mutual understanding. European lawmakers used the platform to reaffirm their support for Kurdish rights and to highlight the contribution of Kurdish culture to Europe’s diversity.
 
IMPAC was honoured by the invitation and pleased to participate in this meaningful celebration. The organisation extends its sincere gratitude to MEP Evin Incir and the Kurdistan Regional Government Mission to the EU for their warm hospitality and for organising such a vibrant and inclusive event.IMPAC reaffirms its commitment to fostering intercultural dialogue, supporting human rights and building strong partnerships across communities in Europe.
 
Newroz Pîroz be! (Happy Newroz!)
IMPAC welcomes two significant legal developments that strengthen the protection of religious freedom across Europe
March 16 2026
In a landmark ruling delivered on 4 March 2026, a Maltese court acquitted Matthew Grech following a three-year legal battle. Grech had been prosecuted under Malta’s ban on “conversion practices” after sharing his personal testimony  on television.
The court stressed that public debate on sensitive issues and the sharing of personal faith stories cannot automatically be treated as criminal offences.
 
Separately, the European Court of Human Rights has formally taken up 20 applications from Christians who were banned from Türkiye solely for practising their faith, underlining serious concerns regarding freedom of religion and due process.
 
These positive steps come as OIDAC Europe published its February 2026 report documenting 34 anti-Christian hate crimes across Europe, including 11 arson-related attacks. Among the most serious incidents were a suspected arson targeting the altar of a parish church in Loiret, France, multiple arson attacks on churches in Eden, Netherlands, and the burning of grave crosses in a cemetery prayer hall in Amtzell, Germany. The disturbing trend has continued into March with further arson attacks reported in Austria, Poland, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany and Italy.
 
Over recent weeks, OIDAC Europe has remained highly active internationally, speaking at two UN Human Rights Council side events on intolerance against Christians and the protection of places of worship, contributing to an OSCE training programme, and engaging with the Austrian Bishops’ Conference.
 
IMPAC reaffirms its commitment to the protection of religious freedom for all communities and stands in solidarity with those working to safeguard the rights of Christians and combat intolerance and discrimination across Europe.
IMPAC Welcomes European Parliament Focus on Media Freedom and Religious Minorities in Türkiye
March 15 2026
Following the European Parliament’s strong resolution in February, IMPAC continues to monitor and advocate for the protection of journalists and religious minorities facing expulsion and harassment in Türkiye under national security pretexts.
We commend the Parliament’s clear condemnation of arbitrary administrative measures that undermine media pluralism and freedom of religion or belief (FORB).
 
These actions not only target Christian communities and independent voices but also erode the foundations of democratic accountability and peaceful coexistence.
 
IMPAC urges the EU’s High Representative and Commission to translate this resolution into concrete diplomatic steps, including enhanced monitoring and targeted measures where violations persist. Our organisation stands ready to support affected individuals through rehabilitation programmes and international advocacy, ensuring that media freedom and FORB remain central to EU-Türkiye relations.
 
This moment offers an opportunity to strengthen Europe’s commitment to protecting vulnerable minorities and countering extremism that thrives in environments of impunity.
IMPAC Marks International Women’s Day: Empowering Women and Defending Freedom of Religion or Belief
March 8 2026
IMPAC joins the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day, reaffirming our commitment to gender equality and the protection of women’s rights, particularly for religious minorities facing discrimination and extremism.
On this day, we highlight how women from faith communities in conflict zones, including Lebanon and the Middle East, often bear the brunt of intersecting inequalities. Systemic discrimination, forced displacement, and radical ideologies continue to limit their access to education, economic opportunities, and the free practice of their beliefs.
 
IMPAC’s initiatives focus on empowering these women through targeted advocacy, interfaith dialogue programmes, and policy recommendations to EU institutions. By integrating freedom of religion or belief (FORB) into gender-equality frameworks, we aim to dismantle barriers that fuel radicalisation and promote inclusive societies where women can fully participate as agents of peace and coexistence.
 
Our ongoing partnerships with grassroots organisations in the region underscore the vital role of women in building resilient communities free from hatred and violence.
IMPAC Hosts Landmark Conference in European Parliament: Safeguarding Europe from Muslim Brotherhood Threat
March 4 2026
Several hundred representatives from diverse religious and ethnic communities, as well as ambassadors and academics, attended a high-level conference in the European Parliament about the threat of the Muslim Brotherhood to Europeans.
IMPAC successfully convened a high-level conference in the European Parliament on March 4, 2026, titled “Safeguarding Europe – Exposing the Growing Threat of the Muslim Brotherhood.” The event brought together policymakers, experts, researchers, and representatives from diverse religious and ethnic communities to examine the ideological infiltration, strategies of influence, and security risks posed by the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliated networks across Europe.
 
The conference highlighted how the organisation’s seemingly non-violent approach masks a long-term agenda that undermines democratic institutions, social cohesion, and freedom of religion or belief (FORB). Participants discussed concrete examples of infiltration in education, civil society, and political spheres, as well as links to extremism and radicalisation. IMPAC presented policy recommendations urging the EU to strengthen monitoring, transparency measures, and counter-extremism strategies to protect European values and promote genuine interfaith coexistence. The event, co-organised with the ECR Group and EPP, drew hundreds of attendees and generated significant media interest, reinforcing the urgent need for informed action at the European level.
 
IMPAC will continue to follow up with targeted advocacy and briefings to ensure these findings translate into concrete EU policy steps.
Advancing Equality on World Day of Social Justice
February 17 2026
IMPAC observes World Day of Social Justice, emphasising the fight against inequality, poverty, and discrimination to create inclusive societies. This aligns with our dedication to human rights, peaceful coexistence, and freedom of religion and belief worldwide.

The World Day of Social Justice serves as a pivotal moment for IMPAC to address systemic inequalities that fuel division and extremism, advocating for equitable societies where freedom of religion or belief (FORB) is upheld as a cornerstone of human rights.

We focus on how poverty, discrimination, and social exclusion disproportionately affect religious minorities, exacerbating conflicts and hindering coexistence. IMPAC’s initiatives aim to bridge these gaps through policy recommendations, community outreach, and collaborative projects that empower marginalised groups, ensuring access to justice, education, and economic opportunities, thereby cultivating inclusive environments that honor diverse beliefs and pave the way for lasting peace worldwide.

European Parliament Condemns Christian Expulsions in Türkiye: A Stand for Media and Religious Freedom
February 12 2026
The European Parliament’s resolution condemns targeted expulsions of foreign journalists and Christians in Türkiye under national security pretexts, exposing human rights violations that undermine freedom of religion or belief (FORB), media freedom, and peaceful coexistence.

From IMPAC’s standpoint, these actions, including the deportation of over 300 foreign Christian pastors and missionaries via arbitrary administrative codes like N-82 and G-87 without evidence or appeal, represent a systemic effort to suppress religious minorities and critical voices.

Such measures not only violate international human rights standards but also exacerbate divisions in society, hindering interfaith dialogue and mutual respect essential for building resilient, inclusive communities.

IMPAC echoes the Parliament’s condemnation, urging immediate cessation of these practices to safeguard the rights of individuals to practice, change, or manifest their beliefs without state interference.

Specific cases cited in the resolution, such as the detention of Iranian journalist Kaveh Taheri facing deportation to potential persecution, and the shooting of journalist Nujan Mala Hassan by Turkish border guards, illustrate the perilous environment for independent media in Türkiye.

IMPAC views these incidents as part of a broader restrictive landscape documented in the Commission’s Türkiye 2025 Report, where media pluralism is severely constrained, stifling the free flow of information that is vital for countering extremism and promoting tolerance.

By supporting journalists who risk their lives to report on protests and human rights abuses, IMPAC advocates for enhanced international protections, including suspending deportation proceedings and providing judicial review, to ensure that freedom of expression aligns with FORB principles, fostering an atmosphere where diverse perspectives can contribute to societal harmony and peacebuilding.

Furthermore, the resolution’s solidarity with persecuted Christians worldwide resonates deeply with IMPAC’s mission to address global religious discrimination, recognizing Christians as one of the most targeted groups.

The failure to provide reasoned decisions or access to evidence in these expulsions erodes trust in institutions and perpetuates cycles of marginalization, which can fuel conflict and instability.

IMPAC calls on the EU’s Vice-President/High Representative and the Commission to integrate these concerns into ongoing dialogues with Türkiye, potentially through targeted measures if abuses continue, while amplifying support for independent media and rehabilitation programs for affected individuals.

This approach not only upholds human dignity but also advances coexistence by bridging cultural and religious divides.In alignment with pending cases before the European Court of Human Rights, such as Wiest v Türkiye, IMPAC commits to monitoring and advocating for accountability, ensuring that administrative harassment ceases and expelled individuals can return. By framing these issues within the broader context of international efforts to protect FORB, IMPAC aims to inspire collaborative initiatives that empower civil society, promote education on religious tolerance, and dismantle barriers to peaceful integration.

Ultimately, resolving such violations in Türkiye could serve as a model for global human rights advocacy, reinforcing the interconnectedness of media freedom, religious liberty, and sustainable peace.

Commemorating Red Hand Day: Protecting Children from Armed Conflict
February 12 2026
IMPAC joins the global observance of the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, highlighting the urgent need to end the recruitment and exploitation of children in conflicts. 
 

This day underscores our commitment to human rights, peacebuilding, and fostering coexistence by safeguarding the most vulnerable from extremism and violence.

On Red Hand Day, IMPAC reaffirms its dedication to combating the recruitment and exploitation of child soldiers, a grave violation that perpetuates cycles of violence and undermines peaceful coexistence in conflict-ridden regions.

By highlighting the intersection of child rights and freedom of religion or belief (FORB), we emphasize how extremist groups often manipulate vulnerable youth through coerced ideologies, stripping them of their right to choose their beliefs freely.

Through advocacy and partnerships, IMPAC supports rehabilitation programs that restore dignity, foster interfaith dialogue, and promote education as a tool for building resilient communities where children can grow in environments of tolerance and mutual respect, ultimately contributing to global peace efforts.

Samidoun leader Mohamad Khatib arrested in Greece
February 7 2026

The Brussels-based leader of terrorist-linked organisation ‘Samidoun’ has reportedly been arrested in Greece. Khatib famously called for the destruction of the European Union “by all means necessary” adding “bring your Kalashnikovs and your bullets”.

Founded in the 1990s, Samidoun has operated in several Western countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and Canada. The organisation, which publicly presents itself as a network of solidarity with Palestinian prisoners, was classified as terrorist by Israel and those countries after it was established that it served as a financial arm of the Palestinian Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a Palestinian terrorist organisation.

Khaled Barakat, one of the leading members of Samidoun, also holds an important position within the PFLP. His wife, Charlotte Kates, an influential figure in the organisation and co-founder of Samidoun, publicly praised the October 7 massacre. In February 2025, she was photographed at Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral in Beirut, illustrating the organisation’s close links with the Iranian axis.

This arrest marks a new stage in the fight against Palestinian terror financing networks in Europe.

International Day of Peaceful Coexistence 2026
January 28 2026

On January 28, 2026, the world marked the inaugural International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in March 2025.

This significant observance highlights the importance of fostering tolerance, mutual respect, and harmony among diverse cultures, beliefs, and communities in an increasingly interconnected world.

At IMPAC aisbl, we are proud to champion these values through our ongoing efforts to promote dialogue, combat extremism, and build bridges for a more inclusive society.

This day serves as a powerful reminder that peaceful coexistence is not just an ideal but a daily commitment to understanding and solidarity. Join us in continuing this vital work together, we can create a world where everyone thrives in peace.

IMPAC Stands in Solidarity at Brussels Rally Against Iranian Regime's Brutality
January 18 2026

In a powerful show of support amid Iran’s ongoing nationwide uprising, IMPAC was invited by rally organisers to speak out against the clerical regime’s violent crackdown on protesters.

As the protests enter their 22nd day, with reports of over 16,500 demonstrators killed and 330,000 injured since late December – amidst chemical agent deployments, foreign militia involvement, and a total internet blackout – IMPAC’s Patricia Teitelbaum delivered a stirring address opposite the Iranian Embassy in Brussels.

Echoing the cries for freedom from the streets of Tehran to Zahedan, Teitelbaum declared, “We stand here in solidarity with you – the true heart of Iran. Your struggle is for dignity, life, and liberty.”

She lambasted Western leaders for their “political blindness and cowardice,” urging global action to dismantle the regime, which she described as “the head of the largest terrorist funding network on earth”.

Highlighting the regime’s unprecedented brutality, including mass executions and lethal force that has drawn warnings from U.S. President Trump and calls for UN intervention, Teitelbaum affirmed, “Iranian people, you are not alone! The world must wake up and stand with you.”