NEW YORK (AFP): Today, the world observes the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. This day is marked by a plenary session of the United Nations General Assembly, where Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, is set to deliver a statement.
Islamophobia, a global issue, is characterised by fear, prejudice, and hatred against Muslims. It manifests in both the online and offline world, leading to agitation, hostility, and intolerance against Muslims. This form of discrimination targets the specific symbols and teachings of Muslims through ideological, political, religious hostility, structural, and cultural racism.
Often compared to racism, Islamophobia perceives Islamic religion, tradition, and culture as a ‘threat’ to Western values. This perception has led to countless hardships and violent incidents against Muslims worldwide.
Pakistan has been a vocal advocate against Islamophobia at the global level. On March 15, 2022, Pakistan presented a resolution in the United Nations General Assembly proposing to designate March 15 as the global day to combat Islamophobia.
The aim of this global day is to foster international tolerance towards Muslims and uphold human rights. The resolution also emphasized the importance of not associating terrorism with any religion or nationality. This resolution was approved on March 15, 2022, with the support of 55 countries.
The resolution also highlighted the alleged Islamophobia in India, citing historical events of violence and oppression against Muslims, such as the Babri Mosque demolition in 1992 and various riots.
It pointed out that extremist Hindus often replace mosques with temples, a fact documented by the BBC. The resolution criticized Prime Minister Modi’s government for an alleged increase in extremism against Muslims since his election in 2014 and the lack of Muslim representation in the BJP.
It also drew attention to the situation in Kashmir, especially after the abolition of Article 370 and 35A, concluding that Muslims in India face daily attacks and are not safe.
