White House Acknowledges International Day in Response to Global Rise in Islamophobia
Fatmeh Atieh, Alenteshar Al Arabi Newspaper
On March 15th, President Joe Biden formally recognized International Day to Combat Islamophobia, a day designated by the United Nations (UN) to address anti-Muslim bias and hatred. Observed on March 15 annually, this day is recognized in over 140 countries.
Islamophobia, as defined by the UN, encompasses fear, prejudice, and discrimination against Muslims, leading to acts of provocation, hostility, and extremism, including threats, harassment, abuse, and intimidation both offline and online.
The UN General Assembly unanimously decided on March 15, 2022, to establish this day following a proposal by Pakistan, representing the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This decision aims to foster global dialogue promoting tolerance, peace, human rights, and religious diversity.
The designation of this day also coincides with the anniversary of a terrorist attack in Christchurch, New Zealand, where a gunman targeted two mosques, killing 51 and injuring others.
The White House, recognizing the importance of addressing Islamophobia, announced plans in November to appoint a skilled individual to lead efforts against anti-Muslim bias. These efforts, involving the Domestic Policy Council and the National Security Council, aim to develop strategies to protect Muslims from discrimination and violence due to their race, nationality, or heritage.
Recent initiatives include the adoption of measures to enhance anti-discrimination protections and combat hate crimes. These efforts have gained momentum, illustrating a commitment to fighting bigotry.
On March 16, 2024, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution titled “Measures to Combat Islamophobia,” introducing a special UN envoy to address the issue. The resolution, supported by 115 countries with 44 abstentions, reflects ongoing global efforts to combat religious intolerance. Prior to the vote, the Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN, Munir Akram, emphasized the need for decisive action against Islamophobia, particularly highlighting concerns over the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza. Akram said, “The current worst manifestation of Islamophobia and racism is the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip. More than 30,000 Palestinians were killed, the majority of whom were women and children. The same situation led to a series of foreign interventions in Muslim countries.”
The UN resolution condemns religious hatred and incitement to violence against Muslims, urging member states to enact laws against such acts.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the widespread issue of Islamophobia, noting its manifestations in discrimination, exclusion, and violence against Muslims worldwide. He stressed the importance of addressing this hatred to preserve societal harmony and respect for human rights. The Secretary-General noted that all of this could lead to an increase in harassment and even outright violence against Muslims – of which increasing accounts are being reported by civil society groups in countries around the world. He said some are “shamefully” exploiting anti-Muslim hatred and exclusionary policies for political gain. He added: “We must call things by their proper names.” “Simply all this is hatred.”
The Secretary-General noted that “hatred of one group fuels hatred of another group. Hatred makes hatred normal. It destroys the fabric of our societies. “It undermines the equality, understanding and respect for human rights on which a peaceful future and world depend.”
Many Arab and Muslim activists have launched the “Abandon Biden” campaign in 2023, with the aim of calling on voters not to vote for Biden in the upcoming elections due to his position and support of Israel, which raised concerns in the US administration about the possibility of losing the upcoming elections in Michigan and a number of important states. Surveys indicate a significant decline in Biden’s approval ratings among these communities, leading to calls for political reevaluation and more balanced policies towards Palestinian issues. In recent months, the Biden administration has held a number of meetings with leaders of the Arab and Islamic communities in an attempt to dissuade them from their position.
Efforts by the Biden administration to address these concerns have been noted, including shifts in its stance towards Israel, highlighted by Vice President Kamala Harris’s call for a ceasefire and acknowledgment of the dire situation in Gaza.
In conclusion, the White House’s recognition of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia marks a significant step towards addressing a growing global concern. This day serves not only as a reminder of the persistent prejudice and discrimination faced by Muslims worldwide but also as a call to action for nations and individuals alike to promote tolerance, understanding, and peace. The concerted efforts by the United Nations, along with the support from various countries, underline the urgency and importance of combating Islamophobia. As the world grapples with the challenges of hate and intolerance, this acknowledgment represents a beacon of hope, signaling a collective commitment to fostering a more inclusive and respectful global community. The path forward requires sustained dialogue, education, and policy reforms, ensuring that the fight against Islamophobia and all forms of discrimination remains a priority on the international agenda.
