The new position will be filled by Miguel Ángel Moratinos of Spain, who also serves as high representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations, an initiative to combat extremism.

Moratinos previously served in the Spanish government and worked closely with the UN during his time as foreign minister from 2004 to 2010.

He also served as EU special representative for the Middle East peace process from 1996 to 2003.

In that role, he promoted peace agreements and attempted to foster dialogue between Israel and the Arab world.

He also served as Spanish ambassador to Israel in 1996.

The UN marks the International Day to Combat Islamophobia each year on March 15. The day was first observed following a resolution put forward by Pakistan that was unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2022.

The document was sponsored by the 60 member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

This year on March 15, Moratinos spoke out against the “bigotry and dehumanizing rhetoric” that Muslims “have to quite often face in many parts of the world.”

“Hate speech drives wedge between communities, sparks fear and anger and may often lead to violence which threatens peace and stability in societies,” he said.

“All forms of hate should be rooted out wherever and whenever it occurs. This means pushing for policies that fully respect human rights and protect religious and cultural identities, particularly of minorities.

“This means investing in social cohesion by encouraging initiatives that promote dialogue, mutual respect and protects human rights and the dignity of all.”

Source: Arab News

The United Nations committee responsible for combating racism has criticized the United Kingdom over continuing hate crimes, hate speech and xenophobic incidents, following riots fueled by hate and misinformation that gripped the country this summer.

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) expressed deep concern on Friday, August 23, over the presence of racist speech on various platforms, particularly when perpetuated by politicians and public figures.

The committee was “particularly concerned about recurring racist acts, violence, and hate speech against ethnic and ethno-religious minorities, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers by extremist far-right and white supremacist individuals and groups.”

According to CERD’s report, the UK must act to curb the sharp increase in the use of racist hate speech by British politicians and high-profile public figures. Ministers must “adopt comprehensive measures to discourage and combat racist hate speech and xenophobic discourse by political and public figures” and ensure that such cases are “effectively investigated and sanctioned.”

The committee members declined to name which politicians or public figures had made comments triggering the committee’s concern, but added there were “so many credible reports” of racist comments by high-profile individuals that there was “no doubt that the issue is a serious one in the UK”.

The unrest, which gripped the UK for over a week in July and August, was triggered by misinformation surrounding a tragic stabbing incident in Southport, England, where three young girls were killed.

The suspect, a 17-year-old boy named Axel Rudakubana, was initially reported as a Muslim immigrant, despite being born in Cardiff to Christian Rwandan parents. This false narrative quickly spread on social media, inciting violence across the country.

Exploiting the tragedy, far-right groups launched protests that spiraled into violent clashes with police. Hotels housing asylum seekers were set on fire, and mosques and businesses owned by ethnic and religious minorities were attacked. In total, around 600 people were arrested in connection with the riots.

Notorious anti-immigration figures like Tommy Robinson and Nigel Farage were accused of stoking the flames. Farage, a prominent MP and leader of Reform UK, warned ominously of further unrest, while his previous comments on Muslims not sharing British values further fueled tensions.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the violence, labeling it as “far-right thuggery.”

Presenting the report on Friday based on a four-year review into Britain’s record on tackling race discrimination, the committee highlighted “very troubling” manifestations of racism within the UK, flagging particular concern about racial profiling in stop and search practices, and the “excessive and deadly” use of force by law enforcement.

Committee members were “particularly concerned about the high number of strip-searches carried out on children, especially children of African descent, by law enforcement officials, and at the increase of police presence in schools with higher proportions of ethnic minority children”.

The government should “take steps to address the over-policing of schools with higher proportions of ethnic minority pupils and adopt and strengthen legislation and other measures to explicitly prohibit strip-searches on children”, the report advised.

A UK government spokesperson said on Friday: “There is no excuse for the hatred, violence and intimidation we saw online and on our streets. It was not legitimate protest, it was violent thuggery, and why we have taken the toughest action to ensure those involved in the disorder, directly or indirectly by stirring up hatred, face the full force of the law.”

Source: UN News

To mark the International Day against Islamophobia, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for decisive action to combat religious intolerance and hatred targeting Muslims.

Initiated by Pakistan and backed by the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the resolution received overwhelming support, with 115 votes in favor and 44 abstentions.

The resolution, titled “Measures to Combat Islamophobia,” faced contention with proposed amendments from the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom, both of which were ultimately rejected.

One of the proposed amendments sought to broaden the scope by replacing specific references to attacks against Muslims with a more general reference to religious intolerance.

The second proposed amendment aimed to appoint a focal point rather than a Special Envoy, a move opposed by the Pakistani delegation who argued for the necessity of a dedicated envoy to address the complexities of Islamophobia comprehensively.

Central to the resolution is the call for the appointment of a Special Envoy of the United Nations tasked specifically with combating Islamophobia.

The adoption of this resolution comes at a critical juncture, as incidents of Islamophobia continue to rise globally.

From hate speech and negative stereotypes, to violent attacks on mosques and individuals, the scourge of Islamophobia poses a significant threat to the fundamental principles of tolerance, diversity, and respect for human rights.

In addition to calling for the appointment of a Special Envoy, the resolution urges member states to implement robust laws and policies to address religious intolerance and combat the spread of hatred and incitement to violence against Muslims.

The resolution builds on previous efforts by the United Nations to condemn acts of religious hatred, including the burning of the Quran, and to recognize such actions as violations of international law.

Source: Morocco World News

March 15, 2024

In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

In recent years, Muslims have witnessed an alarming increase in Islamophobia in the West, manifested through despicable acts like the vandalization of mosques, anti-Muslim rhetoric, and hate crimes. Muslims have endured targeted attacks, discriminatory policies, and systemic marginalization, jeopardizing their fundamental rights, safety, well-being, and sense of belonging.

For example, in 2019, a tragic event unfolded in Christchurch, New Zealand, where an individual attacked two mosques, resulting in the loss of 51 lives. Similarly, an appalling incident took place in Quebec City, Canada, in 2017, where an attack on a mosque claimed six lives. The senseless killings of three young American Muslims in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in 2015 highlighted the severity of Islamophobia. Moreover, the sharp rise in Islamophobic attacks on mosques and individuals in the UK, and the desecration of Islamic symbols in Sweden and Denmark – like burning the Quran – serve as further illustrations of this troubling trend.

Equally disquieting are the Islamophobic policies enacted or suggested by Western governments in recent times. Examples include the Muslim Ban in the US (2017), the Anti-Separatism Law in France (2021), bans on full-face veils in countries like Switzerland and Austria, the Prevent strategy in the UK, the French bans on hijab for athletes (2024) and students (2023), and the call for Muslim immigration bans by an Australian senator (2017).

The detrimental role of the mainstream media and certain institutions in perpetuating Islamophobia by erroneously linking extremist actions performed in the name of Islam by groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS with the authentic teachings of the faith is deeply concerning. Such misrepresentations not only reinforce stereotypes but also contribute to the continuation of fear and prejudice against Muslims.

Confronting the harsh realities of Islamophobia, the Islamic Research and Information Center (IRIC) emphasizes the necessity of enacting anti-hate-crime legislation and implementing measures to prevent and prosecute hate crimes targeting Muslims. We advocate for the establishment of robust legal frameworks that guarantee the protection of the rights and dignity of individuals and communities affected by Islamophobic incidents. Additionally, IRIC is committed to establishing interfaith dialogue and conducting public awareness campaigns that challenge prejudices, debunk myths, and cultivate an accurate understanding of Islam and the Muslim community.

As the Holy Quran reminds us: “O mankind! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female and made you nations and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” (The Holy Quran, 49:13). This verse underlines the essence of our shared humanity and the beauty of diversity ordained by the Creator. It is our duty to nurture mutual understanding, respect, and harmony among all individuals. By recognizing our shared humanity and upholding the values of compassion and empathy, we can overcome the barriers of ignorance and intolerance fueling Islamophobia.

On the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, IRIC extends its solidarity to communities worldwide in condemning all forms of bias, discrimination, and animosity towards Muslims. As proponents of social justice and intercultural understanding, we stress the imperative of combating and eradicating Islamophobia. To observe this significant day, here are several practical suggestions:

1. Actively commemorate the day by engaging in meaningful discussions, events, and activities that raise awareness about Islamophobia and promote dialogue.
2. Encourage Western media outlets to invite intellectual Muslims for interviews, articles, or reports, providing platforms for sharing their perspectives and fostering a more nuanced understanding of Islam and Muslims.
3. Develop media campaigns and educational materials aimed at dispelling myths and addressing the harms of Islamophobia within communities.
4. Organize lectures, seminars, or workshops in educational institutions to educate students and faculty about the impact of Islamophobia and effective counterstrategies.

By implementing these practical suggestions, we can progress towards building bridges of empathy and eliminating misconceptions.

In conclusion, we call upon governments, civil society organizations, religious institutions, and individuals globally to unite in combatting Islamophobia and supporting initiatives that promote intercultural understanding and mutual respect. Let us collaborate in creating a future where Islamophobia is eradicated, and where unity and compassion guide our interactions with one another. May Allah illuminate our hearts and minds with righteousness, granting us the wisdom and fortitude to confront injustice and ignorance wherever they may arise.

Islamic Research and Information Center (IRIC)

www.IRIC.org

A deeply divided UN  Human  Rights  Council has approved a controversial resolution that urges countries to “address, prevent and prosecute acts and advocacy of religious hatred”, after incidents of Qur’an-burning in Sweden.

The resolution was strongly opposed by the US, EU and other western countries, which argued that it conflicted with laws on free speech. On Wednesday, the resolution was passed, with 28 countries voting in favour, 12 voting against and seven abstaining.

While strongly condemning the burnings, however, western countries defended free speech. The German envoy called them a “dreadful provocation” but said free speech also meant “hearing opinions that may seem almost unbearable”.

Pakistan’s envoy to the UN in Geneva, Khalil Hashmi, said the resolution did not seek to curtail free speech but was instead aimed at striking a balance.

The resolution condemns all manifestations of religious hatred including “public and premeditated acts of desecration of the holy Qur’an” and urges that those responsible be held to account.

Source: The Guardian

Fionnuala Ni Aolain, the UN special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism, said the strategy has had a “negative and discriminatory effect on Muslim communities” and its implementation is “inconsistent” with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. While the effect of the initiative “has not been felt equally by all children,” Ni Aolain said, “minority ethnic or religious communities” were impacted in particular. She said the UN “has a number of concerns about the Prevent strategy” and that she addressed these kinds of government strategies used by the UK and other countries with the organization’s Human Rights Council.

Since becoming law in 2011, the strategy has been criticized by equality and rights groups for the challenge that it is believed to pose to liberties and the justice system’s foundations. There have been regular calls for the strategy’s removal due to its discriminatory nature against Muslims and because the UK government has failed to provide any evidence that it prevents terrorism. “In fact, we know of at least 13 people who have gone on to commit terrorist attacks and they were known to Prevent prior to their attacks and Prevent did not stop them,” said Layla Aitlhadj, the director of Prevent Watch, a campaign group that supports people affected by the strategy.

Source: TRT World

Ahmed Shaheed, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, in a report to the Human Rights Council, referred to widespread negative representations of Islam, fear of Muslims generally, and security and counter terrorism policies.

He said these have served to perpetuate, validate, and normalize discrimination, hostility, and violence towards Muslim individuals and communities.

“Islamophobia builds imaginary constructs around Muslims that are used to justify state-sponsored discrimination, hostility, and violence against Muslims with stark consequences for the enjoyment of human rights including freedom of religion or belief,” said Shaheed, also a former foreign minister of the Maldives.

The UN expert said that following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US in 2001 and “other horrific acts of terrorism purportedly carried out in the name of Islam,” institutional suspicion of Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim have escalated to “epidemic proportions.” “In such climates of exclusion, fear, and distrust, Muslims report that they often feel stigma, shame, and a sense that they are ‘suspect communities’ that are being forced to bear collective responsibility for the actions of a small minority,” he said, without naming specific countries.

The report cites European surveys in 2018 and 2019 showing that 37% of the population held unfavorable views of Muslims.

In 2017, some 30% of Americans surveyed viewed Muslims in a negative light.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Speaking in an exclusive interview with IRNA, Sahin stressed compliance with commitments to the contract with Pfizer pharmaceutical company. He called for UN cooperation for free access of the poor countries to COVID-19 vaccines.

Sahin and his wife Özlem Türeci who is the Chief Medical Officer of BioNTech started working on COVID19 vaccine and after one year in cooperation with Pfizer pharmaceutical company, they could produce a vaccine whose clinical trials were approved

The vaccine made by the company named BNT162b2 is the first vaccine which received permit in the UK. He, a Muslim himself, noted that due to the outbreak of coronavirus, he is trying to help either the Muslim or the non-Muslim countries.

The Turkish scientist Ugur Sahin has been working on Development and Clinical Testing of mRNA-based Cancer Vaccines that are tailored to the Mutation Profile of a Cancer Patient. He received Mustafa Prize in 2019.

Source: IRNA

What is a Madrasa?

Author: Ebrahim Moosa

Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Publication Date: March 10, 2015

Explains the role of the madrasa in the cultural, intellectual and religious experience of Muslims

The prospects for peace in Afghanistan, dialogue between Washington and Tehran, the UN’s bid to stabilize nuclear-armed Pakistan, understanding the largest Muslim minority in the world’s largest democracy in India, or the largest Muslim population in the world in Indonesia – all require some knowledge of the traditional religious sectors in these countries and of what connection traditional religious schooling has (or not) to their geopolitical situations.

Moosa delves into the world of madrasa classrooms, scholars and texts, recounting the daily life and discipline of the inhabitants. He shows that madrasa are a living, changing entity, and the site of contestation between groups with varying agendas, goals and notions of modernity.

Reading this unique and engaging introduction will provide readers with a clear grasp of the history, place and function of the madrasa in today’s Muslim world (religious, cultural and political). It will also investigate the ambiguity underlying the charge that the madrasa is at heart a geopolitical institution.

Key Features

• Structured clearly around the role and function of the madrasa in the past and the present
• Infuses history, tradition and everyday practice with concrete examples of how the institutions function
• Provides a view of the madrasa from within – the author studied in leading Indian madrasas for 6 years
• Treats madrasas worldwide, with a special focus on those in South Asia
• Includes a glossary of key non-English terms used in the book

About the Author

Ebrahim Moosa is professor of Islamic studies at the University of Notre Dame, with appointments in the department of history and the Kroc Institute for International Studies in the Keough School of Global Affairs. The author of the prize-winning Ghazālī and the Poetics of Imagination (2005), he was named a 2005 Carnegie Scholar.

Reviews

– “A useful introduction to madrasas in India and Pakistan and contributes a South Asian perspective to the rich scholarship on Islamic education.” (Maryam Kashani, Journal of the American Academy of Religion)

– “A work of great effort and detailed scholarship, this book is a fine introduction to contemporary madrasa education.” (Roshan Shah, Wordforpeace.com)

– “A moving and complex portrait of Muslim schools. . . Wide ranging and eminently readable.” (Choice)

– “Riveting…A nuanced and richly textured account of the place and importance of Madrasas in Islam both historically and in the contemporary moment.” (New Books in Islamic Studies)

– “This important book grapples with a large number of complex questions that pertain to the very core of the nature and role of Islam and its 14 centuries of tradition in today’s world.” (Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations)

Source: Edinburgh University Press

“In many cases, migrants and refugees are seeking to escape situations of violence and grave human rights violations that in some cases may amount to atrocity crimes, by which I mean genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity”, stated Adama Dieng, Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide.

The UN along with the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Religion and Development, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) organized the event…

Speakers were unanimous in their call for religious leaders to be included in addressing not only the symptoms, but also the root causes of forced migration and human trafficking, from the point of departure, to assisting with integration into their host countries at the points of destination.

“Religious leaders know their communities. They have access to the people. They are trusted and respected by their communities and are already working to save and improve lives where they are most needed. Through their example and guidance, communities can combat prejudice, support integration and build peace,” said Faisal Bin Muaammar, Secretary General of the International Dialogue Centre. Rudelmar Bueno de Faria, the WCC Representative to the United Nations, stressed that “especially from a faith based perspective, from which human dignity is a key concept and commitment, we are obliged to address the entire experience.”

Source: The World Council of Churches