Islamophobia: Time for world to act |
The International Day to Combat Islamophobia is being observed on March 15 each year. The day was established after the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution during its 67th Session on March 15, 2022, calling for global efforts to counter rising prejudice and discrimination against Muslims. Pakistan played a leading role in presenting and advocating this resolution, highlighting the urgent need for the international community to address Islamophobia as an emerging form of racism and intolerance. While presenting the resolution, Pakistan’s representative emphasized that Islamophobia had become a widespread phenomenon, manifesting in discriminatory policies, hate speech, and acts of violence against Muslims and Islamic symbols. Such manifestations include media campaigns that portray Islam negatively, attacks on mosques, the burning of copies of the Holy Qur’an, discriminatory travel bans, harassment of Muslim women for wearing the hijab, and the targeting of Muslim communities in various parts of the world. Through the adoption of the resolution, the international community acknowledged the need for expanded global dialogue aimed at promoting tolerance, respect for human rights, and the protection of religious diversity.
The choice of March 15 for the observance of this day carries profound significance. It commemorates the tragic Christchurch Mosque Shootings that took place on........