Christchurch, New Zealand, when the silence of prayer was shattered by gunfire. The tragic terrorist attack on March 15, 2019, left 51 Muslim worshippers dead and forced the world to confront a growing reality—Islamophobia was no longer just rhetoric; it was turning into violence. The attack sent shockwaves globally, prompting urgent calls to counter the surge in anti-Muslim hate.
Six years later, on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, world leaders, activists, and human rights organizations are warning that the situation has only worsened. From discriminatory policies in Europe to rising hate crimes in the U.S. and online harassment worldwide, Muslims continue to face intolerance at alarming levels.
The United Nations, which officially recognized March 15 as an international observance in 2022, stressed that Islamophobia is not just a Muslim issue—it is a human rights crisis. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking on the occasion, described the rise in anti-Muslim bigotry as “deeply alarming” and called for stronger action against hate speech, racial profiling, and violence targeting Muslim communities.
The Rise of Islamophobia After 9/11
While Islamophobia has existed in various forms for decades, the post-9/11 era marked a turning point in how Muslim communities were perceived and treated globally. Following the tragic attacks in the U.S., anti-Muslim sentiment surged, fueled by political rhetoric, security policies, and media narratives that often associated Islam with extremism.
Western countries introduced restrictive measures, including travel bans, mass surveillance programs, and discriminatory laws that disproportionately targeted Muslims. Hate crimes against Muslims escalated, and Islamophobia became institutionalized, shaping foreign policies and immigration laws.
Even two decades later, the effects of this shift remain deeply ingrained. The rise of far-right movements, anti-Muslim propaganda, and increasing restrictions on Islamic practices continue to shape the lives of Muslims worldwide. As the world observes International Islamophobia Day, it is crucial to acknowledge how these long-standing biases persist and demand a reevaluation of policies that have marginalized Muslim communities for years.
Pakistan and Afghanistan: Caught in the Islamophobia Discourse
For Pakistan and Afghanistan, the ripple effects of Islamophobia have extended beyond individual discrimination to global policies and perceptions. Increased scrutiny, restrictive measures, and narratives framing these nations through a security lens have shaped international engagement. While both countries continue to push back against these biases, the broader challenge remains—ensuring that the fight against Islamophobia does not overlook the realities faced by Muslim-majority states on the world stage.
Growing Concerns Over Rising Anti-Muslim Bigotry
Speaking on the occasion, UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the rise in anti-Muslim sentiment, emphasizing the need for concrete measures to tackle hate crimes and discrimination.
“We are witnessing a disturbing rise in anti-Muslim bigotry. From racial profiling and discriminatory policies that violate human rights and dignity to outright violence against individuals and places of worship,” he said. “Online platforms must curb hate speech and harassment. And we must all speak out against bigotry, xenophobia, and discrimination.”
Marion Lalisse, the European Commission’s coordinator on combating anti-Muslim hatred, warned that Islamophobia in Europe continues to grow due to a lack of political will to address the issue. In an interview with Hyphen, she pointed out that nearly one in two European Muslims face discrimination in their daily lives.
Abdassamad El Yazidi, chairman of the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, highlighted that Islamophobia has become “acceptable” in parts of European society.
“No religion is labeled more negatively in the German parliament than Islam,” he said, adding, “Some sectors of society do not applaud Islamophobia, yet there are no loud objections either. This is the real problem.”
Pakistan’s Role in Combating Islamophobia
As the driving force behind the UN resolution, Pakistan has continued to push for global action against Islamophobia. The country’s leader reaffirmed the urgency of addressing anti-Muslim discrimination, calling for stronger legal and policy measures.
“March 15 not only serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of the challenges being faced by Muslims worldwide but also as a powerful call to action, reflecting the collective will of the international community to combat Islamophobia,” he said.
Pakistan has consistently criticized what it describes as Western double standards on free speech, particularly regarding blasphemy laws and the desecration of Islamic symbols. The government has urged global institutions to take diplomatic and legal measures to protect Muslim minorities from discrimination.
Islamophobia Reaches Record Levels in the U.S.
Anti-Muslim and anti-Arab hate incidents in the United States reached record levels in 2024, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). The advocacy group documented 8,658 cases of discrimination, marking the highest level of Islamophobic incidents since 1996. The surge coincided with the escalation of the Israel-Gaza war, with reports of targeted attacks, workplace discrimination, and verbal abuse against Muslims and Arabs.
International Observance and Calls for Stronger Measures
A senior UN General Assembly official linked Islamophobia to the rise of ethno-nationalism, neo-Nazi movements, and white supremacist ideologies.
“Discrimination against Muslims is not an isolated pattern,” he stated, calling for a broader fight against all forms of religious intolerance.
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) also stressed the need for governments and digital platforms to combat hate speech and protect religious minorities.
“People everywhere must be allowed to observe and practice their faith peacefully without fear. All places of worship and contemplation should be safe havens, not sites of terror or bloodshed.”
Iran Condemns Islamophobia and Aggression Against Palestinians
Iran also marked the occasion, with a senior official expressing solidarity with global efforts to combat Islamophobia. During a joint meeting organized by the UN and the OIC, the Iranian representative praised Pakistan’s leadership on the issue and highlighted concerns over growing anti-Muslim rhetoric in Europe.
“Today’s meeting shows the serious determination of those present to address the issue of Islamophobia, including hatred, discrimination, terrorist attacks, and violence against Muslims and their religious principles, beliefs, and rituals.”
He also condemned the ongoing aggression against Palestinians, arguing that the misuse of free speech is being used to justify anti-Muslim sentiment in Europe.
Also See: UN Day to Combat Islamophobia: A Global Stand Against Hate
Looking Ahead: A Global Responsibility
The International Day to Combat Islamophobia serves as a reminder that anti-Muslim discrimination remains a pressing global challenge. As leaders and advocacy groups call for action, the focus remains on stronger legal protections, policy measures, and digital regulations to counter rising Islamophobia worldwide.
