International Day To Combat Islamophobia
International Day To Combat Islamophobia is an international observance designated by United Nations in 2022,[1][2] taking place on 15 March every year in 140 countries worldwide. The date, March 15, was chosen as it is the anniversary of the Christchurch mosque shootings, in which 51 people were killed during Friday prayer.
International Day To Combat Islamophobia | |
---|---|
Official name | International Day To Combat Islamophobia |
Observed by | Worldwide |
Liturgical color | Green |
Type | United Nations Declaration |
Observances | International |
Date | 15 March |
Next time | 15 March 2024 |
Frequency | Annual |
Related to | Islam |
Background
Islam is the second largest religion in the world after Christianity, with 1.9 billion followers representing 24.9 % of world population.[3] Islamophobia is the fear of, hatred of, or prejudice against Islam or its followers called Muslims.[4]
Throughout history, many incidences of ethnic cleansing of Muslims were reported across the world, most notably the Circassian genocide, the Srebrenica massacre, the Sabra and Shatila massacre, and the ongoing Rohingya and Uyghur genocides.[5] Islamophobia escalated after the September 11 attacks, which caused great distress to Muslims in Europe and the United States.[6]
Official recognition
On 15 March 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution by consensus which was introduced by Munir Akram, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation that proclaimed March 15 as 'International Day to Combat Islamophobia'.[8][9][10]
See also
References
- "General Assembly Unanimously Adopts Texts on Combating Islamophobia, Protecting Rangelands, Tackling Difficulties for Widows, Bicycles as Public Transportation". United Nations. Retrieved 20 April 2022.
- "UN Designated March 15 as International Day To Combat Islamophobia". Dawn.
- "Most Practiced Religion". Encyclopædia Britannica.
- "What is Islamophobia, By BBC".
- "US cites China, Myanmar, Ethiopia in genocide report". The Hindu.
- "Impact of 9/11 attack on Muslims".
- "Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan warns of rising Islamophobia". un.news.org. UN News. 25 September 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
- "March 15, International Day To Combat Islamophobia". UNGA text on combating Islamophobia.
- "UN makes March 15 International Day to Combat Islamophobia". Arab News. 15 March 2022.
- "What is Islamophobia, By BBC".