Global Call For Solidarity To Combat Rising Islamophobia, Says OIC Chief

On the occasion of International Day to Combat Islamophobia, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hussein Ibrahim Taha, delivered a poignant message advocating for worldwide unity to confront the escalating menace of Islamophobia. Taha highlighted the significance of this day as an opportunity to support victims of Islamophobia, condemning the violence, harassment, and intimidation driven by religious animosity and extremism.

Taha's call to action was clear as he urged "all concerned parties" to actively engage in efforts to dismantle the "forces of evil" that threaten the harmonious coexistence among different religions. He praised the 2022 resolution by the UN General Assembly that marked March 15th as International Day to Combat Islamophobia, describing it as a vital move towards addressing religious incitement, discrimination, and violence.

The secretary-general expressed his alarm over the increasing prevalence of hate and intolerance, noting a disturbing trend where Islamophobia and xenophobia are becoming normalized behaviors. He shed light on instances where religious leaders faced abuse, holy texts and sites were desecrated, and places of worship were attacked—actions often overlooked by authorities.

In his concluding remarks, Taha called upon the international community to unite and take definitive steps against Islamophobia. He emphasized the need for fostering tolerance, understanding, and interfaith harmony as essential components for crafting a world where peace and coexistence flourish.

The message was disseminated by SPA at 20:27 local time (17:27 GMT).

With inputs from SPA