UN MARCH 15  INTERNATIONAL DAY TO COMBACT ISLAMOPHOBIA , LAUDED

We register our full support and welcome the UN-adopted resolution introduced by Pakistan that March 15 will mark the International Day  and marks the day when an Australian gunman killed 51 Muslim worshippers and wounded 40 others in 2019 New Zealand terror attacks.

We endorse the resolution introduced by Pakistan on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

The idea was mooted by the Prime Minister Imran Khan much earlier and his concern should be lauded ny Muslim leaders.

It cannot be denied that there is a concerted effort by certain parties to demonize Islam and Muslims and it is orchestrated in several parts of the world especially the west.

Islamophobia is a religious crime which spiral into hatred and violence. However it is also institutionalized into state policies that introduces laws that imposed regulations that victimizes Muslims.

We conclude that some states have gone to the extend of curbing religous and human rights of their own citizens under the pretext of security.

We concur that the status of Islamophobic tendencies is now cultivating cultural and religious prejudices that invokes communnal and sectarian tensions. As  sentiments towards Islam is highly narrated in an antoganistic view especially by western media , the hate speeches and narratives are intentionally directed to create tensions and hostilities.

This is indeed a new form of racism. Xenophobic sentimens  towards foreigners compounded by stimatizing Muslims will create a hostile environment.

We reiterate Pakistan’s initiative  as historical and ground shaking

The recognition of the existence of Islamophobia and the need for it to be addressed head on is without doutb  compelling.

We believe that attacking Islam is a global movement to undermine the fastest growing religion in the world.

We emphasize on the need for engaement and dialogue without which

global dialogue on tolerance, peace will not be achieved.

The resolution stated a sound reasoning , recognising that an “overall rise in instances of discrimination, intolerance and violence, regardless of the actors, directed against members of many religious and other communities.”

It maintains terrorism “cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group,” and calls for “strengthened international efforts to foster a global dialogue on the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace at all levels.”

We urge all governments to take the Islamophobia threat as a seriuos global issue.

A plan of action that encompasses all  aspect  combacting Islamophobia need to be charted.

Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid
President MAPIM