VALLETTA/WARSAW/ANKARA, March 15, 2024 – As prejudice and violence against Muslims multiply in a growing number of countries, greater efforts are needed to establish dialogue and counter anti-Muslim hatred, says Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. said in a statement today as the International Day Against Islamophobia.
OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta, Ian Borg, said: “On this day, we remember our collective duty to fight prejudice and embrace diversity. » emphasizing that “Our strength lies in our unity and our unwavering determination to foster societies where dialogue prevails over confrontation, understanding over fear and tolerance over prejudice – a society where fundamental freedoms and human rights are protected and enjoyed by all.” Minister Borg called on all participating States “to intensify commitments and actions towards this crucial effort, striving to foster an environment in which everyone can live free from hatred and without discrimination.”
Hatred against people belonging to specific religious or belief communities rarely occurs in isolation and often goes hand in hand with other forms of intolerance. Violence and discrimination not only harm the individuals and communities affected, but can also compromise security. across the OSCE region, with tensions likely to escalate into wider conflicts.
There has been a surge in hatred against Muslims, particularly since the resumption of hostilities in the Middle East in October last year, with hate speech, threats and violence online and offline having an impact negative on Muslim communities, particularly women and girls. OSCE States recognized the need for political leaders and parliamentarians to reject and condemn manifestations of racism, xenophobia and intolerance against Muslims and other religious groups, while continuing to respect freedom of expression.
“Negative stereotypes and acts of intolerance and discrimination against Muslims have increased in recent years, making it all the more important to act urgently and ensure that stigmatization or rhetoric is avoided. incendiaries. » says Matteo Mecacci, director of the ODIHR. “At the same time, we are encouraged by the growing recognition of the need for more dialogue and understanding. I am convinced that this must remain a crucial contribution to successfully combating anti-Muslim prejudice and hatred.”
All OSCE participating States are committed to combating discrimination and hate crimes, and it is the primary responsibility of governments to ensure the safety of all citizens, regardless of their origin, and to promote respect and dialogue. Helping countries in the OSCE region combat anti-Muslim hate crimes is a key area of ODIHR’s work, but although data on anti-Muslim hate is available in the ODIHR database on hate crimesMany victims in the OSCE area are reluctant to share their experiences with the authorities.
Victims of hate often turn to civil society organizations to report a crime, seek help, and access the services they need. Through genuine collaboration with civil society, States can develop effective and targeted activities to combat hate crimes and respond to the different needs of each victim.
Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right that sets out the right of every individual to have, adopt or abandon a religion or belief. At its core is the understanding that respecting our differences is the only way for us to live together in peace. In this context, dialogue and understanding between religions and cultures emerge as an essential instrument, providing a platform for open and respectful exchanges that transcend religious boundaries. Through these meaningful interactions, we can discover common ground, appreciate our differences, and forge an inclusive and harmonious path forward.
The personal representative of the current presidency for the fight against intolerance and discrimination against Muslims, Ambassador Evren Dagdelen Akgun, noted that “cases of deliberate attempts to tarnish the sanctity of Islam , stereotypes about Muslims, attacks; Instances where their beliefs are belittled or their culture presented as a threat and justified under the guise of security concerns are widespread, even normalized in some countries. She stressed that “efforts to resolve these problems in their entirety will contribute not only to harmonious societies but also to international peace.” Dagdelen Akgun urged all participating States to seek ways to effectively implement their commitments.
Recognizing the discrimination and hatred faced by many Muslims around the world, the United Nations declared March 15 as the International Day Against Islamophobia. All OSCE States are committed to combating prejudice, intolerance and discrimination against Muslims and members of other religions.
Originally published in The European Times.
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