The UN has declared March 15 the International Day to Combat Islamophobia with the goal of taking “concrete action in the face of rising hatred, discrimination, and violence against Muslims.”
UN General Assembly President Csaba Korosi also noted that “Islamophobia is rooted in xenophobia, or the fear of strangers, which is reflected in discriminatory practices, travel bans, hate speech, bullying and targeting of other people” and urged countries to uphold the freedom of religion and take action against the hatred.
“I think each country has to pass some laws making Islamophobia a crime. There should be punishment for people who attack Muslims or desecrate their places of worship”, said Heisam Galyon, a member of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston.
Munir Ibrahim, the former president of the Indian Muslim Association of Greater Houston, welcomed the UN’s decision on designating an International day to combat Islamophobia.
In a related context, Germany’s Muslim community have called for a more determined stance against anti-Islam racism, saying Muslims continue to experience prejudice, hate crimes and discrimination in their daily lives.
Germany witnessed growing racism and anti-Islam hate in recent years, fueled by the propaganda of far-right groups and parties, which have exploited the refugee crisis and attempted to stoke fear of immigrants.
