(WASHINGTON D.C., 3/8/2023) – On March 15, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy group, plans to unite for the first time ever with a coalition of Muslim civic organizations in nations around the world to mark the UN’s First International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
The UN General Assembly established the global recognition last year after a report concluded that international Islamophobia has reached “epidemic proportions.” The date coincides with the fourth commemoration of the Christchurch, New Zealand massacre when 51 New Zealand Muslims were murdered by an agent of hate. Member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation first commemorated the day in 2021 and subsequently pushed for UN recognition.
SEE: International Day to Combat Islamophobia 15 March
SEE ALSO: Report of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Ahmed Shaheed
On March 15, the international Muslim coalition plans to issue a joint statement that expresses solidarity in the struggle against global Islamophobia and makes several joint calls to action. In addition, CAIR plans to release video content the entire week and participate in a conference on global Islamophobia in Missouri.
WHAT: 1st UN International Day to Combat Islamophobia
WHEN: March 15 with content coming out the whole week
CAIR has documented a well-funded network of U.S.-based organizations promoting Islamophobia that influences anti-Muslim discourse worldwide.
SEE: CAIR Report Islamophobia in the Mainstream
CAIR also noted that anti-Muslim actors in various countries use similar rhetoric to justify targeting Muslim populations, including Uyghur Muslims facing genocide in China, Rohingya Muslims facing ethnic cleansing in Burma, Indian Muslims facing lynchings and other acts of mass violence, and Muslims in European nations like France who have faced mosque closures, hijab bans and other acts of discrimination.
Ramadan, Islam’s holy month of fasting and reflection, is anticipated to begin on or about March 22, a few days after the commemoration. During Ramadan CAIR plans to release “Progress in the Shadow of Prejudice,” the 2023 edition of its annual report on the status of Muslim civil rights in the U.S.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Research and Advocacy Director Corey Saylor, 202-384-8857, csaylor@cair.com; CAIR Research and Advocacy Coordinator Ammar Ansari, aansari@cair.com; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com