The United Nations marks March 15 as the International Day Against Islamophobia, commemorating the tragic attacks on mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, that claimed 51 lives. The day highlights the global need to combat Islamophobia, a term that refers to the fear, prejudice, and hatred directed towards Muslims, often manifesting through hostility, threats, harassment, and discrimination. While some experts argue for the term “Muslim hatred” over Islamophobia, fearing the latter could stifle legitimate critique of Islam, the focus remains on protecting individuals from hate and prejudice, irrespective of their religion.

The global effort to combat islamophobia

To combat Islamophobia, many countries have adopted hate crime legislation, established measures to prevent such crimes, and launched public awareness campaigns to counter negative perceptions of Muslims and Islam. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), consisting of 60 member states, has supported the adoption of March 15 as a day dedicated to fighting Islamophobia, emphasizing that terrorism and violent extremism should not be associated with any religion or ethnic group. The UN General Assembly has also taken steps, urging the appointment of a UN Special Representative to combat Islamophobia, signaling a growing commitment to promote global dialogue and tolerance.

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