On March 15, the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Pakistan spearheads international efforts to counteract Islamophobia and religious tolerance.
Islamophobia:
The International Day to Combat Islamophobia, commemorated on March 15, is a day devoted to fostering religious tolerance and bringing attention to prejudice against Muslims globally. This day serves as a reminder of the growing difficulties that Muslim communities around the world are facing, such as attacks on religious symbols, discrimination, and hate crimes.
Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s direction, Pakistan has taken the lead in promoting international action against Islamophobia. The nation has been instrumental in pressuring international organizations and world leaders to take decisive action against anti-Muslim prejudice.
Pakistan’s Role in Establishing the International Day:
In 2022, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution declaring March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. This initiative was introduced by Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and was a historic step in acknowledging the growing threats of Islamophobia worldwide.
Why March 15?
The day was selected to pay tribute to the victims of the March 15, 2019, attacks on the Christchurch mosque in New Zealand. In this terrible event, 51 Muslim worshippers were killed as they were worshipping when a terrorist broke into two mosques. The incident made clear the pervasive anti-Muslim sentiment and the pressing need to combat Islamophobia.
Pakistan’s Commitment:
Pakistan has remained committed to combating religious intolerance and has urged global forums like the UN, OIC, and international human rights organizations to take serious measures to prevent anti-Muslim hate crimes.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Message on Islamophobia Day:
On March 15, 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the nation and the global community, emphasizing the urgent need to combat Islamophobia. His key points included:
- Rising discrimination against Muslims in various parts of the world.
- The necessity of strong laws to protect Muslim communities from hate crimes.
- The importance of respecting religious beliefs and sacred symbols to ensure global peace.
- The demand for a UN Special Envoy on Islamophobia to monitor and report violations.
He stressed that Islamophobia is not just an issue for Muslims.It is a threat to global harmony and human rights.
Demand for a UN Special Envoy on Islamophobia:
A major proposal from Pakistan and the OIC is the appointment of a UN Special Envoy on Islamophobia, who would:
- Monitor and document cases of Islamophobia globally.
- Advise governments on policies that promote religious tolerance.
- Collaborate with human rights organizations to spread awareness.
Pakistan believes that without a dedicated UN official, efforts to combat Islamophobia will remain limited to statements and discussions rather than actual policy changes.
OIC’s Stand Against Islamophobia:
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), consisting of 57 Muslim-majority countries, has been actively working to address the growing threat of Islamophobia. The OIC has warned that:
- Islamophobia is increasing across both Western and Eastern countries.
- Muslims are being targeted through hate speech, attacks, and biased policies.
- Some political parties use anti-Muslim rhetoric to gain public support.
- Media outlets play a role in spreading false narratives about Islam.
The OIC has urged all countries to implement strict policies against religious discrimination and ensure the protection of Muslims.
Steps Taken by Countries to Combat Islamophobia:
Several countries have acknowledged the rise of Islamophobia and taken positive steps to counter it:
- Canada has appointed a Special Representative to Combat Islamophobia to monitor and address hate crimes.
- The United States launched a national strategy against anti-Muslim discrimination to ensure legal protection for Muslims.
- Australia introduced an interfaith dialogue program to encourage religious harmony.
- Sweden and Denmark passed laws criminalizing the desecration of the Holy Quran after several incidents of Quran burning.
Pakistan has welcomed these initiatives and urged other nations to follow their example in protecting Muslim rights.
March 15 Matters:
The International Day to Combat Islamophobia serves as a global reminder of the dangers of religious intolerance. This day is significant because it promotes:
- Remembrance: Honoring the victims of Islamophobic attacks, such as the Christchurch massacre.
- Awareness: Educating people about the impact of religious hatred and discrimination.
- Action: Encouraging governments, human rights organizations, and the general public to stand against Islamophobia.
Challenges in Combating Islamophobia:
Despite some progress, Islamophobia remains a major global issue due to several challenges:
1. Lack of Strict Laws:
Many countries do not have specific laws to punish hate crimes against Muslims. As a result, many incidents of discrimination go unpunished.
2. Media Bias:
In some countries, media outlets spread misleading narratives about Islam, fueling fear and hatred among people. False reporting often portrays Muslims as a threat to society, reinforcing negative stereotypes.
3. Political Islamophobia:
Some governments use anti-Muslim rhetoric to gain political support. They promote discriminatory policies against Muslims, such as hijab bans, restrictions on mosque construction, and biased immigration laws.
4. Workplace Discrimination:
Many Muslims face challenges in employment due to bias in hiring and promotions. Some companies do not provide prayer spaces or halal food options, making it difficult for Muslim employees to practice their faith freely.
Role of Media and Education:
The media and educational institutions play a critical role in combating Islamophobia. Some steps they can take include:
- Promoting accurate information about Islam to remove misconceptions.
- Encouraging interfaith discussions to build understanding among different religious groups.
- Highlighting the positive contributions of Muslims in society.
- Countering hate speech and misinformation spread by extremist groups.
By changing how Islam is represented in the media and education systems, the world can move towards a more tolerant and inclusive future.
Conclusion:
Pakistan has taken a leading role in the global fight against Islamophobia. The UN’s recognition of March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia is a major milestone, but more action is needed. To build a peaceful and tolerant world, governments, organizations, and individuals must: Enforce strong laws against religious hate crimes.
Ensure equal rights for Muslims in all countries. Encourage interfaith harmony and mutual respect among different religions. By working together, the global community can ensure a future free from religious discrimination and hatred, fostering peace and unity among all people.
