ISLAMOPHOBIA The UN General Assembly Unanimously Adopts Resolution on Combating Islamophobia Pakistan moved the resolution on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation BY ISLAMIC HORIZONS STAFF
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resolution proclaiming March 15 as the “International Day to Combat Islamophobia” was unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly at its 61st meeting held on March 15, 2022. While introducing the resolution (Document A/76/L.41) calling for this day’s establishment, Munir Akram, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, stated that Islamophobia has emerged as a new form of racism that includes, among others, discriminatory travel bans, hate speech and the targeting of girls and women for their dress. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) had assigned Pakistan to present the resolution. He stressed that his country’s president, Dr. Arif Alvi, has repeatedly called for efforts to address the phenomenon. Hate speech, discrimination and violence are proliferating in several parts of world, causing great anguish in the Islamic world. The special rapporteur on freedom of religion and belief 28
noted that since 9/11, other violations have escalated to epidemic proportions. Muslims often experience stigma, negative stereotyping, shame and feel like suspect communities that bear a collective responsibility for the actions of a fringe minority. This new form of racism, he continued, has an added gender aspect, as Muslimas who wear traditional attire are targeted due to their clothing and oppressed. Islamophobia is also being used in the political sphere, including discriminatory travel bans, visa restrictions and discourse among far-right groups for electoral gains. The situation remains poorly understood, he affirmed, with numerous UN officials and world leaders underscoring the need to address it. Turkish representative Ümit Yalçın, who stressed that “We can never allow hate to take over society,” said the resolution is intended not to divide, but to unite. Islamophobia, he argued, is an injustice that plagues humanity, a rising threat that takes many forms, among
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them racism, xenophobia and violence. Examples abound in textbooks and social media, but often receive little attention, and the targeted Muslimas receive no protection or empathy. Everyone must do what he or she can to defend places of worship, protect human rights and combat intolerance. Indonesian representative Arrmanatha C. Nasir, speaking as an OIC member, stated that the resolution’s adoption is heartening, and that this day seeks to promote understanding. Indonesia, he pointed out, is a multireligious nation that hosts the world’s largest Muslim population. Trust between peoples and cultures need to be promoted, and positive narratives need to be constructed around Islam, he said, voicing the hope that the international community will stand united and create a harmonious world. Iranian representative Majid Takht Ravanchi said the growing discrimination against Muslims is daunting. The UN, he declared, needs to strongly condemn hate
