The United Nations (UN) International Day to Combat Islamophobia is annually observed across the globe on 15 March to raise awareness and combat hate crimes, and other forms of intolerance against Muslims.
- 15 March 2024 marks the observance of the 2nd International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
Background:
i.On 15 March 2022, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution A/RES/76/254 and proclaimed the 15th March of every year as International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
ii.Pakistan’s UN envoy Munir Akram introduced the resolution on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) under the Agenda item “Culture of peace”.
iii.The first-ever International Day to Combat Islamophobia was observed on 15 March 2023.
Note: The document emphasises that terrorism and violent extremism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group.
Why March 15?
The date coincides with the anniversary of the Christchurch mosque shooting where 51 individuals lost their lives during Friday prayers in 2019.
- On 15 March 2019, a gunman entered 2 mosques namely Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre/Linwood Masjid Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, killing 51 victims and injuring 40 others.
What is Islamophobia?
i.Islamophobia refers to fear, prejudice, discrimination, or hatred directed towards Islam or Muslims.
ii.It manifests in provocation, hostility, and intolerance by threatening, harassment, abuse, incitement, and intimidation of Muslims and non-Muslims, online and offline.
iii.Motivated by institutional, ideological, political, and religious hostility, it targets the symbols and markers of being a Muslim.
International Conference:
i.To recognize the importance of commemorating the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Azerbaijan, Baku hosted an international scientific conference themed “Embracing Diversity: Tackling Islamophobia in 2024” on 8 and 9 March 2024.
ii.The 2-day conference discussed crucial issues concerning the tendencies of Islamophobia, especially in Western countries.
iii.The conference was co-organised by the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre, Azerbaijan’s Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR); the Group of Twenty (G20) Interfaith Dialogue Forum; and the Baku Initiative Group.
Key Facts:
i.In 2023, the world witnessed a concerning rise in Islamophobic incidents, notably worsened by the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- These incidents included the burning of the Quran, attacks on mosques, etc.
ii.The United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom (UK) witnessed a staggering increase of 172% and 140%, respectively, in Islamophobic incidents compared to 2022.
