March 15 is International Day to Combat Islamophobia
Dear colleagues and friends,
On March 15, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution which designated 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
Islamophobia is a fear, prejudice and hatred of Muslims that leads to provocation, hostility, and intolerance by means of threatening, harassment, abuse, incitement and intimidation of Muslims and non-Muslims, both in the online and offline world. Motivated by institutional, ideological, political, and religious hostility that transcends into structural and cultural racism, it targets the symbols and markers of being a Muslim.
This definition emphasises the link between institutional levels of Islamophobia and manifestations of such attitudes, triggered by the visibility of the victim’s perceived Muslim identity. This approach also interprets Islamophobia as a form of racism, whereby Islamic religion, tradition, and culture are seen as a ‘threat’ to the Western values. Islamophobia may also affect non-Muslims, based on perceptions of nationality, racial or ethnic background.
In his message for the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that Muslims face institutional discrimination, barriers and violations of their human rights and dignity. “Divisive rhetoric and misrepresentation are stigmatizing communities. Online hate speech is fueling real-life violence….. Let us keep working together to advance the shared values of inclusion, tolerance and mutual understanding — values that are at the heart of all major faiths and the United Nations Charter”, he added.
States have a responsibility to address any hatred based on religion or belief in a manner that complies with human rights, recalls the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Nazila Ghane, in her last report on Hatred on the basis of religion or belief.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “Today, as we mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to stand up against hate, discrimination, and bigotry in all their forms.
“Sadly, Islamophobia is a lived experience for many Canadians. That’s why, last year, we appointed the first Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, Amira Elghawaby. As Special Representative, she is guiding our efforts against anti-Muslim bigotry, systemic racism, and racial discrimination. She is also helping ensure the diverse experiences of Muslim communities are reflected in government policies and programs. At the same time, we are renewing Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, informed by extensive engagement, including at the 2021 National Summit on Islamophobia.
“We are ensuring Canadians of all faiths can freely and safely practise their religion. We listened to the advice of communities to expand the Security Infrastructure Program, which provides funding to better protect communities from hate-motivated crimes and increase security at community centres, daycares, and places of worship.
“Diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice. Canada has come a long way, but we have more to do. Today, and every day, let’s work together to build a more diverse, safe, and welcoming Canada for everyone.”
Hatred has serious consequences. Nobody should have to live in fear that their faith, ethnicity, or any other identities will make them the target of violence. Let’s stand together with our Muslim colleagues and root out Islamophobia wherever it exists.
We all have an important role to play in denouncing and preventing racism and discrimination, whether online, on our streets, or in our workplaces.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, suggestions, or comments.
Stay safe, stay well!
Respectfully,
Waheed Khan
President, National Consultation Team