PURPOSE: Whether it takes the shape of daily forms of racism and discrimination or more violent forms, Islamophobia is a violation of human rights and a threat to social cohesion. The United Nations General Assembly have Reaffirmed the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, for the promotion and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons; The observance of the International Day to combat Islamophovia activities aimed at promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue in order to enhance peace and social stability, respect for diversity and mutual respect and to create, at the global level, and also at the regional, national and local levels, an environment conducive to peace and mutual understanding.
FORUM: ''Embracing Diversity: Tackling Islamophobia.'' International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2024. We stand in solidarity with those that have suffered intolerance, discrimination, violations and violence, purely on account of being Muslims. Nobody should suffer fear for having or manifesting their religion or belief. Everyone should feel safe and benefit from the equal protection of their human rights, which must be guaranteed by all States. Yet today, hate entrepreneurs, political parties, armed groups, religious leaders and even State actors around the world, are trampling on respect for diversity of religions and beliefs, discriminating, violating human rights, and overlooking or even attempting to justify these violations. Acts of harassment, intimidation, violence and incitement based on religion or belief have risen sharply across the world last year, reaching alarming levels, shocking our conscience and creating a climate of fear and deep distrust. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Faith4Rights, #cultureofpeace, #antitIslamophobiaday, #15March.
EVENTS: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Office of the Director-General will organize a special High-level event to Commemorate the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2024 on March 15th 2024, from 10:00am to 1:00pm from the united Nations office in Geneva. Watch the commemoration!
STATEMENTS:
PODCASTS: Many Governments have taken steps to combat Islamophobia by establishing anti-hate-crime legislation and measures to prevent and prosecute hate crimes and by conducting public awareness campaigns about Muslims and Islam designed to dispel negative myths and misconceptions. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: No one should have to feel unsafe in their home, place of worship or community. Let us not give in to the forces of division and hate, but rather rally for dialogue, tolerance, respect, understanding, harmony and compassion for all others – always. Get the Communication materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
HOW TO GET INVOLVED!
PARTNERSHIPS
The March 15th as International Day To Combat Islamophobia was designated by United Nations General Assembly by the resolution A/RES/76/254 in 2022. The date, March 15, was chosen as it is the anniversary of the Christchurch mosque shootings, in which 51 people were killed.
Islamophobia can be defined as the fear of or prejudiced viewpoint towards Islam, Muslims and matters pertaining to them.
In response to the alarming trend of rising hate speech around the world, Secretary-General António Guterres launched the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech.
Raise awareness about discrimination, hate crimes, and other forms of intolerance against Muslims
Establish a global dialogue on the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace, based on respect for human rights and for the diversity of religions and belief.
Strongly condemn the acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief and Combat offensive discourse targeting a group or an individual based on inherent characteristics (such as race, religion or gender).
Consider ways to halt and reverse Islamophobia globally.
Call for international solidarity and cooperation in combating discrimination and violence against persons on the basis of their religion or belief, including anti-Muslim rhetoric, which leads to racial profiling, discrimination, negative stereotyping and stigmatization of Muslims.
Promote collective action by the international community to combat, xenophobia, intolerance and incitement to violence on the basis of any religion or belief.
Call for strengthened international efforts to foster a global dialogue on the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace at all levels, based on respect for human rights.
The International Day of Islamophobia is co-organized by the United Nations General Assembly, the U.N. Member states, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the Council of Europe, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC). With the collaboration of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
With the participation religious leaders, faith communities, academics and individuals.