Day: March 15, 2023

International Day to Combat Islamophobia

The United Nations has designated March 15^th the “Combating International Islamophobia Act.” This day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the alarming rise of anti-Muslim sentiment and violence around the world and to renew our commitment to combating bigotry and hatred wherever it exists. 

Why March 15^th? Today is the anniversary of the massacre of 51 Muslim worshippers in New Zealand four years ago, emphasizing the urgency to address Islamophobia globally. 

What is Islamophobia?

Islamophobia is a fear, prejudice and hatred of Muslims that leads to provocation, hostility and intolerance by means of threatening, harassment, abuse, incitement and intimidation of Muslims and those perceived as Muslims, both in the online and offline world. Motivated by institutional, ideological, political and religious hostility that transcends into structural and cultural racism, it targets the symbols and markers of being a Muslim. 

Impacts of Islamophobia

The effects of Islamophobia are far-reaching and significant. This dangerous and discriminatory attitude results in a steady rise of hate crimes and discrimination against Muslims, creating a culture of fear and exclusion. It also promotes negative portrayals of Muslims in media, perpetuating harmful stereotypes that lead to negative mental health impacts for individuals and the community as a whole. 

According to a recent study, Muslims are 2x more likely to have attempted suicide than any other group (JAMA Psychiatry, 2021). Muslim children in K-12 schools are more prone to bullying due to their faith compared to children of other religions. The survey conducted by The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) found that 42% of Muslim parents reported their children being bullied for their faith, while only 23% of Jewish and 20% of Protestant parents reported the same. 

What can you do?

One way to support this effort is to advocate for the “International Combatting Islamophobia Act.” This legislation would establish a Special Envoy within the U.S. State Department to monitor and combat Islamophobia globally. 

The creation of the Special Envoy will help policymakers better understand the interconnected, global problem of anti-Muslim bigotry. It will also establish a comprehensive strategy for establishing U.S. leadership in combatting Islamophobia worldwide. 

By supporting this act, we can send a strong message that Islamophobia will not be tolerated and that we stand with Muslim communities around the world, including Muslims suffering severe oppression due to Islamophobia in places like China, Burma, France, India, and Palestine. 

Send a message to your U.S. Senators urging them to pass this bill. 

Learn more about how to counter and dismantle Islamophobia using ISPU’s toolkit: www.ispu.org/countering-islamophobia/  

(COLUMBUS, OH – 3/15/23) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) commends the United Nations (UN) for adopting a resolution to declare March 15^th as the “International Day to Combat Islamophobia”. 

CAIR-Ohio believes that this historic resolution will help raise awareness about the growing problem of Islamophobia around the world and encourage countries such as the United States to take concrete steps to combat this issue. The International Day to Combat Islamophobia, adopted in 2021, is observed annually and will provide an opportunity for people around the world to speak out against discrimination, hate speech, and violence directed at Muslims. 

“We welcome the United Nations’ decision to designate March 15^th as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia,” said CAIR-Ohio, Columbus & Cincinnati Executive Director Amina Barhumi. “This resolution sends a clear message that Islamophobia is a global problem that must be addressed through collective action.” 

Barhumi added: “As an organization dedicated to defending civil rights and liberties, CAIR-Ohio remains committed to working with partners at the local, national, and international levels to promote tolerance, respect, and understanding for all people, regardless of their religion or background. We urge the Biden Administration to pass the ‘International Combatting Islamophobia Act’, which would designate a special envoy at the State Department to monitor Islamophobia globally.” 

SEE: CAIR Backs Reps. Omar and Schakowsky’s Bill to Create a Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Islamophobia 

CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh added: “March 15^th is a day that will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of the Muslim community worldwide. On that day, 51 innocent Muslim worshippers were murdered in cold blood at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. We must recognize the immense loss of Muslim lives and work towards ensuring that such tragedies never happen again. The International Day to Combat Islamophobia is a positive step towards that goal.” 

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR-Ohio’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. CAIR-Ohio has offices in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. 

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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Columbus & Cincinnati Executive Director Amina Barhumi, abarhumi@cair.com, 614-763-6557; CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247