March 15 is marked as an international day to combat Islamophobia, declared by the United National General Assembly. The UNGA adopted the resolution presented by Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
This resolution was presented after a gunman entered two mosques in Christchurch, causing the deaths of 51 worshippers and 40 badly wounded. This day is the basis for this resolution, and this incidence will be remembered forever. The resolution was sponsored by 57 members of Muslim countries, including Russia and China.
The resolution asks all countries at every level to organise high-visibility programmes and events to reduce the fear related to Muslims, which causes Islamophobia.
Islamophobia is a Reality
This resolution was presented by Pakistan’s ambassador, Munir Akram, on behalf of all Muslims all over the world. He stated in his speech:
"Islamophobia is a reality. Its manifestations—hate speech, discrimination, and violence against Muslims—are proliferating in several parts of the world. Such acts of discrimination, hostility, and violence towards Muslim individuals and communities constitute grave violations of their human rights and violate their freedom of religion and belief. They also cause great anguish within the Islamic world."
According to him, these acts of violence, hostility, racism, and discrimination towards Muslims are against human rights and a violation of freedom of belief and religion. This is an alarming situation that these days, Muslims are portrayed as terrorists and conservatives.
He also stated that terrorism should not be linked exclusively with any particular religion, civilization, or ethnic group. Peace is what the world needs, and global efforts must be made to keep it.
"Despite its pervasive impacts, Islamophobia remains poorly understood. It is essential to promote greater information about this phenomenon and promote solutions through greater understanding and full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms."
Imran Khan Congratulates Muslims
Imran Khan congratulated all the Muslims all over the world for making 15th March an International Day to Combat Islamophobia. He took to Twitter:
"I want to congratulate the Muslim Ummah today as our voice against the rising tide of Islamophobia has been heard and the UN has adopted a landmark resolution introduced by Pakistan, on behalf of OIC, designating 15 March as International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Today UN has finally recognized the grave challenge confronting the world: of Islamophobia, respect for religious symbols & practices & of curtailing systematic hate speech and discrimination against Muslims. Next challenge is to ensure implementation of this landmark resolution,"
The credit goes to Pakistan as it presented the resolution at the 47th session of foreign ministers of the nation’s forming Organization of Islamic Council (OIC) held in Nigemy, Niger in 1920.
Since then, the members of OIC have been working to commemorate the day. Also, Imran Khan, on every platform, highlighted the severe discrimination Muslims face all around the world.
Islamophobia has led to the humiliation of Muslims in every corner of the world. From discrimination to hijab bans, acid attacks, mob lynchings, and relating Muslims to terrorism.