Marking the 3rd anniversary of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, the event is jointly organized by the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre, the Center of Analysis of International Relations, and the Baku Initiative Group.
Among the international partners of the conference are the G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID), the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCF), the Council of Muslim Elders, the Central Council of Muslims of Germany, the European Muslim Leaders’ Assembly (EULEMA), and the International Muslim Forum.
The conference features discussions on the “Global Trends in Islamophobia: Challenges and Responses”, “Anti-Muslim Hatred in Politics: Legal Frameworks and Advocacy Strategies”, “Islamophobia in Different Contexts: Regional Perspectives,” “Islamophobia in Media and Digital Platforms: How Artificial Intelligence Systems Can Spread and Reinforce Islamophobic Bias,” “Women, Identity and Stereotypes: Navigating the Intersection of Religious and Cultural Prejudices”, “Institutionalization of Anti-Muslim Legislation in Europe: Rhetoric in the Context of Radicalization of Islamophobic Propaganda”, “Preserving Islamic Cultural Heritage in a Changing World” and “Youth Call for Inclusion: Combating Bias and Misconceptions”.
The International Day to Combat Islamophobia is observed on March 15. The initiative was first adopted at a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC in Niamey, Niger, on November 27-28, 2020. In 2022, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
Chairman of the Board of the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), Farid Shafiyev, addressing the event, noted that Islamophobia poses a serious threat to global stability.
“We are witnessing an increasingly alarming rise in Islamophobia and the strengthening of repressive state practices targeting Muslims. Across Europe, the rise of far-right political forces has led to measures that restrict Islamic self-expression, often under the guise of integration or assimilation. National narratives are increasingly shaped by populist rhetoric that stigmatizes Muslims and equates their religious identity with extremism” , Shafiyev said.
Executive Director of the Baku International Multiculturalism Center (BIMC) Ravan Hasanov stated that Islamophobia is not just a form of hatred but a betrayal of universal human values.
“Islamophobia, like all forms of hatred, is not simply a social ill. It is a deep moral failure, a breach of trust, and a betrayal of our shared human values. Unfortunately, in many Western societies, this form of discrimination has become normalized, appearing in hateful rhetoric, exclusionary policies, and even acts of violence”, Hasanov said.
The official emphasized that in France, public discourse often stigmatizes Muslim communities under the guise of secularism.
“Similarly, in India, the rise of religious nationalism has led to increased marginalization and hostility toward Muslims”, he added.
“Let us use this platform not only to condemn these injustices but also to strengthen genuine cooperation aimed at fostering inclusivity, mutual understanding, and dignity for all faiths”, concluded the executive director.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Miguel Ángel Moratinos noted that Muslims around the world face institutional discrimination and socio-economic restrictions.
“Muslims face institutional discrimination and socio-economic limitations. These biases are reflected in stigmatization and unwarranted racial profiling, often fueled by distorted media portrayals and the rhetoric and policies of certain political leaders”, Moratinos stated.
He emphasized that everyone around the world should be able to practice their faith peacefully and without fear.
Ibrahim Saleh Al-Naimi, Deputy Minister of Education of Qatar and Chair of the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID) stated that fighting Islamophobia demands deep-rooted educational initiatives.
Al-Naimi noted that Islamophobia is fueled by distorted translations of Islamic texts, biased media coverage, and extreme political rhetoric.
Moreover, António de Almeida Ribeiro, acting Secretary General of the International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) pointed out that digital space has become a powerful tool for spreading Islamophobic rhetoric.
“At KAICIID, our mission is to use interreligious and intercultural dialogue as a transformative force capable of countering hate speech, religious discrimination, and incitement to violence”, the official stressed.
Source: Trend News Agency
