Surge in Islamophobia and Anti-Palestinian Racism Reported in Canada
A report released on Thursday by Canada’s Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights highlights a dramatic increase in Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism amid the conflict in Gaza, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.
Titled “Islamophobia on the rise: Taking action, confronting hate and protecting civil liberties together,” the report indicates a staggering 1,300% rise in hate incidents targeting Muslims and Palestinians reported to the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) in the last quarter of 2023.
The report details various forms of hate, including harassment, vandalism, and threats, with university campuses identified as hotspots for hostility against students advocating for Palestinian rights. Testimonies reveal a climate of fear and vulnerability within affected communities.
Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s special representative on combating Islamophobia, noted that over 1,000 incidents of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism were reported between October 7, 2023, and March 2024. The report urges the federal government to publicly denounce anti-Palestinian racism, enhance mosque security, and introduce anti-Islamophobia education in schools. It emphasizes the need for community engagement and policy reforms to effectively combat these forms of hate.
