Addressing the Security Needs of Muslim Communities through Improved Understanding, Effective Safeguarding, and Collaborative Action
This publication is available in multiple languages to support wider accessibility and understanding.
We provide personalised support that recognises the unique circumstances of each mosque and community. Our work is carried out with sensitivity, respect, and an understanding of local contexts, ensuring guidance is practical, proportionate, and appropriate.
We work closely with trustees, leaders, and volunteers to support informed decision-making, strengthen confidence, and promote safer, more welcoming environments for worship and community activity.
Our support extends beyond initial advice or training. We provide follow-up guidance, clarification, and signposting to help mosques apply learning effectively and maintain good security practices over time.
This ongoing support helps ensure confidence, consistency, and reassurance for mosque leadership and volunteers.
Our work is rooted in the needs of local communities. We take a respectful, inclusive approach that recognises the role of mosques as open, welcoming spaces. All guidance and support are shaped around community wellbeing, reassurance, and practical outcomes.
Intolerance against Muslims in any form — be it violence, discrimination, harassment or online abuse — has a detrimental effect on the lives of Muslim individuals and communities. This Guide by the OSCE is designed to aid governments in their actions on preventing and combating hate crimes including by an analysis of security risks and the necessary actions required, with the aim of improving the capacity of the police and other institutions to meet the security needs of Muslim communities and individuals. It also touches on select topics, such as the underreporting and under-recording of hate crimes against Muslims. In addition, the Guide sets out practical steps that governments can take to address issues of security for Muslim communities, which work in tandem with the efforts within these same communities.
In 2016, we put together an infographic guide of 10 tips for Mosque security, which has been used by hundreds of Mosques and Islamic institutions and used worldwide by other faith and security organisations. This has now been translated in Russian, German and French by OSCE which can be viewed below.
