UN Observes First International Anti-Islamophobia Day

Facts

• The UN on Friday hosted a special event to commemorate the first-ever International Day to Combat Islamophobia. In 2022, March 15 was designated as the day for observation with a unanimous vote by the UN General Assembly.¹
• At the ceremony co-convened by Pakistan, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Islam is a faith that promotes peace, tolerance, and pluralism. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said there are nearly 2B Muslims across the globe that 'reflect humanity in all its magnificent diversity,' yet the Islamic community continues to face bigotry and discrimination.²
• A recent UN special report on the freedom of religion showed that 'suspicion, discrimination, and outright hatred toward Muslims had reached 'epidemic proportions.''³
• In addition to speaking to the growing bigotry, the UN addressed the atrocities Muslim women face, calling it 'triple discrimination' as Muslim women face discrimination because of 'their gender, ethnicity, and religion.'⁴
• The UN has developed a full portfolio of actions to combat Islamophobia. In addition to the annual day of observance, the UN has launched the Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech and the Our Common Agenda report, an outline for a diverse and inclusive 'digital future.'⁵

Sources: ¹National herald, ²Un news, ³Al Jazeera, ⁴Hespress english and ⁵China.org.cn.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by Middle east eye. Globally, Muslim organizations are thrilled and grateful for the day of observance, but there is more work to be done. Discrimination against Muslims is growing exponentially, and governments need to step up and acknowledge this by condemning any and all anti-Muslim behaviors, passing laws that protect against discrimination and violence, and punishing those that commit or participate in hate crimes. Muslims around the world must unite and urge officials to take these actions to protect their families and friends
• Narrative B, as provided by Gallup.com. Sure, there are pockets of Islamophobia throughout the west, but people with those hateful opinions are in the minority, according to data. People who are isolated are more likely to believe that Muslims are sympathetic to terrorist organizations or that Islam threatens their way of life, and those people tend to garner a lot of attention. Tolerance seems to be winning out, though.