International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2024: Date, Theme & History

International Day to Combat Islamophobia is observed every year on 15 March. In many countries, Muslims often face discrimination and hatred based on their religious beliefs.

About Islamophobia:

• Islamophobia refers to fear, prejudice and hatred directed towards Muslims. Incitement to hostility, intolerance, harassment and abuse against Muslims and non-Muslims occurs online and offline.
• Institutional, ideological, political, and religious hostility leads to structural and cultural racism.
• "Islamophobia," lacking an internationally recognized definition, contradicts freedom of religion or belief under international law.

Theme of International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2024:

• No specific theme has been chosen to celebrate the International Day to Combat Islamophobia this year 2024.

History of International Day to Combat Islamophobia:

• In the year 2022, the United Nations declared March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. The first International Day to Combat Islamophobia was observed in the year 2023.
• The date also commemorates four years since the terrorist attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Important facts related to International Islamophobia Day:

• In the year 2022, the UNGA has approved the proposal to establish March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. It was presented by Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
• This proposal was passed in the United Nations General Assembly. Regarding which India has expressed concern.

Key points of the International Islamophobia Day resolution:

• The resolution was unanimously adopted by the 193-member world body, primarily sponsored by 55 Muslim countries.
• This resolution emphasizes the right to freedom of religion and belief. Reiterates a 1981 resolution that called for “the elimination of all forms of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief.”

India's stand on International Is lamophobia Day:

• India has expressed concern against the promotion of a particular religion to the status of an international day. Contemporary forms of religious phobia are on the rise, including particularly anti-Hindu, anti-Buddhist, and anti-Sikh phobias.
• On this proposal, India also cited that there is no mention of the word 'pluralism' in it.