New Initiatives Launched in Norway and UK to Combat Islamophobia
New Initiatives Launched in Norway and UK to Combat Islamophobia
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Efforts to combat anti-Muslim hatred are intensifying across Europe, with Norway launching a new national reporting system and the UK allocating substantial new funding for community protection.
The Islamic Dialogue Network Norway (IDNN) has launched the country’s first national system dedicated to fighting Islamophobia, named “Stop Muslim Hatred.” Unveiled at the “Countering Islamophobia” conference in Oslo, the platform aims to systematically record and document instances of discrimination and hate speech against Muslims.
The system will collect grassroots data on Islamophobic incidents to build a comprehensive database, which will be used to inform the development of more effective national policies. The Mayor of Oslo endorsed the launch, emphasizing the need for cooperation among religious bodies, civil groups, and government authorities to actively combat hate speech. The IDNN views the system as a foundational step toward institutional action, dialogue, and education against Islamophobia.
In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced an additional £10 million in government funding to protect Muslim communities from hate crimes and attacks. The announcement was made following his visit to the Peacehaven Mosque in East Sussex, which had recently been the target of a suspected arson attack.
The new budget is specifically designated for mosques and Islamic centers across the country. The funds will be used to enhance security measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras, alarm systems, secure fencing, and the hiring of protective security personnel, aiming to bolster the safety of the Muslim community nationwide.
