On the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, observed by the UN General Assembly on Friday, Pakistan, representing the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), called for decisive global action to address the growing instances of Islamophobia, hate, bigotry, and intolerance against Muslims.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Munir Akram, delivered a speech emphasizing the need for collective efforts to combat Islamophobia with unity and empathy. He highlighted the importance of promoting messages of peace, justice, tolerance, and compassion, values that are shared by Islam and all religions. The assembly also heard messages of solidarity from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and UNGA President Philemon Yang.
Ambassador Akram reminded the assembly that the 2022 UN resolution, co-sponsored by Pakistan, established March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, marking a pivotal moment in the global recognition of the dangers posed by this growing issue.
“We should commit to using the positive messages of peace, justice, tolerance, and compassion that Islam—and indeed all religions—offer to combat Islamophobia and all other forms of hate, bigotry, and intolerance,” said the Pakistani envoy.
The observance coincided with the holy month of Ramadan, a time of reflection for Muslims around the world. Ambassador Akram stressed that Islamophobia is not limited to any one region and has seen a resurgence in both the West and East. He pointed out that in some countries, Islamophobia has been weaponized for political gain, fueling fear and prejudice, and leading to the marginalization of Muslim communities.
Ambassador Akram urged governments worldwide to ensure their policies uphold religious tolerance, discourage media misinformation, and protect Muslim identity. He emphasized that no country can claim to be a true democracy while systematically alienating or marginalizing its Muslim citizens.
Drawing attention to the consequences of religious intolerance, Akram warned of the dangers of Islamophobia, likening it to the historical consequences of intolerance, such as mass expulsions, inquisitions, and genocides. He highlighted how political narratives in some societies, even those once known for their commitment to tolerance, are now being used to demonize Muslims.
Islamophobia, according to Ambassador Akram, is manifesting in various forms: from the desecration of Islamic symbols to the suppression of Muslim identity through policies like hijab bans, and widespread discrimination against Muslim communities. He noted that in many regions, prejudice against Muslims is not only being tolerated but actively fueled, while policies that legitimize discrimination continue to gain ground.
He also cited tragic events such as the Christchurch massacre on March 15, 2019, as a stark example of the deadly consequences of Islamophobia, hatred, and racism.
Ambassador Akram expressed gratitude for the UN Secretary-General’s intention to appoint Miguel Moratinos, head of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, as the Special Envoy on Islamophobia. He called for the swift approval of resources needed to implement the General Assembly’s resolution on combating Islamophobia, and emphasized the OIC’s readiness to work with the UN in developing a comprehensive plan of action.
This plan could include defining Islamophobia and its manifestations, creating mechanisms to monitor and compile acts of Islamophobia, and proposing national legislation to criminalize Islamophobic actions. It would also focus on promoting tolerance and harmony through media and education initiatives.
Ambassador Akram also acknowledged the positive steps taken by countries such as Sweden and Denmark, which have enacted laws to address Islamophobia, including criminalizing acts of desecration against the Quran. He also mentioned Canada’s appointment of a special representative to combat Islamophobia, as well as the United States’ national strategy against anti-Muslim hate and Australia’s efforts to foster interfaith dialogue.
“We urge other nations to follow suit,” he said.
In conclusion, Ambassador Akram reaffirmed Pakistan and the OIC’s commitment to collaborating with the UN Secretary-General and the appointed special envoy to combat Islamophobia through actionable plans and global solidarity.
