MARCH 15
March 15, 2026
By Asad Ali
Every year on 15 March, the world observes the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, a day dedicated to raising awareness about anti-Muslim hatred and promoting global efforts to ensure respect for religious freedom. The observance reflects a growing international commitment to confront prejudice, discrimination, and violence directed at Muslims. Importantly, this global recognition did not emerge by chance. It was largely the result of Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative at the United Nations, supported by members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which successfully highlighted the urgency of addressing Islamophobia as a global issue.
The United Nations General Assembly officially designated 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia in 2022 through a resolution co-sponsored by Pakistan and several OIC countries. The date carries deep symbolic meaning, as it commemorates the victims of the Christchurch mosque attacks in New Zealand in 2019, when a gunman targeted worshippers during Friday prayers, killing 51 innocent people. The tragedy shocked the world and exposed the dangerous consequences of hatred and intolerance. By establishing this international day, the global community acknowledged that Islamophobia is not merely a social prejudice but a serious threat to peace, human rights, and religious freedom.
Pakistan’s role in bringing this issue to the international stage is widely regarded as a historic diplomatic achievement. For years, Pakistani leaders and diplomats had raised concerns about rising anti-Muslim sentiment in many parts of the world. Their efforts at the United Nations emphasized that Islamophobia must be recognized as a form of religious discrimination comparable to other forms of intolerance. The successful adoption of the UN resolution therefore marked a defining moment in the global fight against religious hatred.
The significance of the day goes beyond commemoration. It also serves as a reminder that hate-driven violence can emerge when negative stereotypes and discriminatory narratives are allowed to spread unchecked. Across different societies, Muslims have often been subjected to prejudice, harassment, and even violent attacks simply because of their religious identity. Mosques have been vandalized, sacred texts desecrated, and communities targeted by hate speech both online and offline. Such acts undermine the basic principles of equality and dignity that international human rights frameworks seek to protect.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has repeatedly warned that Islamophobia is resurging globally and threatens the values of tolerance and coexistence that form the foundation of peaceful societies. When prejudice is normalized, it not only harms specific communities but also weakens social cohesion and democratic values. Islamophobia therefore must be addressed not only as a Muslim issue but as a global human rights concern affecting the stability and harmony of societies everywhere.
Encouragingly, some countries have begun to recognize the seriousness of anti-Muslim discrimination. Nations such as Canada, the United States, and Australia have taken steps to address the issue through policy initiatives, monitoring mechanisms, and the appointment of envoys responsible for combating Islamophobia. These measures indicate growing awareness that governments must actively protect minority communities from hate crimes and discrimination.
Pakistan has consistently called for stronger global action to address incidents that provoke religious hatred, including the desecration of the Holy Quran and attacks on mosques. Pakistani diplomats argue that freedom of expression, an essential democratic value, should not be misused as a justification for insulting sacred religious beliefs or inciting hostility against communities. Instead, freedom of speech must be balanced with responsibility, ensuring that it does not become a tool for spreading hatred or division.
Another concern repeatedly raised by Pakistan is the issue of institutionalised discrimination against Muslims in various parts of the world. In particular, Pakistan has highlighted the situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir, where restrictions on religious practices and violations of human rights have drawn international criticism. By bringing attention to such issues, Pakistan seeks to ensure that the global conversation about Islamophobia includes not only social prejudice but also structural discrimination affecting Muslim populations.
At the global level, the United Nations has also introduced several initiatives aimed at countering hate speech and promoting tolerance. The UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech seeks to challenge harmful narratives while encouraging dialogue and understanding among diverse communities. Furthermore, the appointment of Miguel Ángel Moratinos Cuyaubé as the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia reflects a growing institutional commitment to address anti-Muslim discrimination through coordinated international efforts.
Ultimately, the International Day to Combat Islamophobia is not just about highlighting a problem; it is about encouraging constructive solutions. Dialogue, education, and intercultural engagement are essential tools for reducing misunderstanding and building mutual respect. Religious leaders, educators, policymakers, and media organizations all have a role to play in promoting narratives that emphasize shared human values rather than differences.
For Pakistan, the day also carries a deeper moral message. It reflects the country’s commitment to promoting the universal teachings of Islam, which emphasize peace, compassion, tolerance, and coexistence among all people regardless of faith or background. By championing the global recognition of this day, Pakistan has positioned itself as a leading voice advocating for religious harmony and mutual respect.
As the world observes 15 March, the message is clear: combating Islamophobia is not solely the responsibility of governments or international organizations. It requires collective action by individuals, communities, and institutions across the globe. Standing #UnitedAgainstIslamophobia means rejecting hate, promoting understanding, and reaffirming the fundamental principle that every person has the right to practice their religion freely and live with dignity and respect.
Asad Ali is an Islamabad based expert of South Asian Affairs
Battling hate
ISLAMOPHOBIA today is not some nebulous concept, but a real-world threat experienced by many of the world’s two billion Muslims. That is why today, on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, it is important to identify the key threats to the safety of the global Muslim population, as well as the measures that can be taken, particularly by states, to check this menace.
In the current scenario, geopolitical conflict, racial prejudice and religious bigotry all contribute to the threats Muslims face. Moreover, the far right in many non-Muslim states has zeroed in on immigrants and Muslims as the source of all the problems in these societies, thus normalising bigotry against the followers of Islam.
The Iran war, as well as the genocide in Gaza, have fuelled Islamophobia in many non-Muslim societies. American Muslim rights group CAIR says that a “broad attack on Muslim life” was witnessed in the US last year. There were also attempts to falsely label the group a “foreign terrorist organisation”. Other monitors say the Iran war has led to an acceleration in anti-Muslim speech.
The fact that many Republican lawmakers have publicly used vile language to target the entire American Muslim community has signalled that it is okay to dehumanise Muslims. Equally troubling are reports that US military personnel have used divisive religious language while urging troops to fight against Iran; Israel has used similar terms to justify the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. Meanwhile in Europe, far-right parties are gaining strength, while demonising Muslims and immigrants. Indian Muslims, as well as Muslims in occupied Kashmir, have also seen their rights erode under BJP rule, as Hindutva flexes its muscles in the ‘world’s biggest democracy’.
In his message linked to the day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged governments to take “concrete steps to address hate speech” while urging “online platforms … to wipe out hate speech and harassment”. Indeed, hate speech, amplified by social media sites, can have a deadly impact. Rumours and untruths spread online have real-world consequences, including violent attacks on entire communities. Therefore, the UN chief’s call to governments and online platforms must be heeded. When lawmakers use offensive language against religious or ethnic communities, and are not censured, it tells the public that it is acceptable to otherise and demean these groups. Similarly, social media sites have a lot to answer for. Under the guise of free speech, their algorithms push hateful rhetoric against Muslims and other groups, often reflecting the twisted views of their billionaire owners. In a just world, there can be no room for Islamophobia and other forms of faith- and race-based hatred.
Published in Dawn, March 15th, 2026
Published March 15, 2026
DAWN
ISLAMOPHOBIA today is not some nebulous concept, but a real-world threat experienced by many of the world’s two billion Muslims. That is why today, on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, it is important to identify the key threats to the safety of the global Muslim population, as well as the measures that can be taken, particularly by states, to check this menace.
In the current scenario, geopolitical conflict, racial prejudice and religious bigotry all contribute to the threats Muslims face. Moreover, the far right in many non-Muslim states has zeroed in on immigrants and Muslims as the source of all the problems in these societies, thus normalising bigotry against the followers of Islam.
The Iran war, as well as the genocide in Gaza, have fuelled Islamophobia in many non-Muslim societies. American Muslim rights group CAIR says that a “broad attack on Muslim life” was witnessed in the US last year. There were also attempts to falsely label the group a “foreign terrorist organisation”. Other monitors say the Iran war has led to an acceleration in anti-Muslim speech.
The fact that many Republican lawmakers have publicly used vile language to target the entire American Muslim community has signalled that it is okay to dehumanise Muslims. Equally troubling are reports that US military personnel have used divisive religious language while urging troops to fight against Iran; Israel has used similar terms to justify the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. Meanwhile in Europe, far-right parties are gaining strength, while demonising Muslims and immigrants. Indian Muslims, as well as Muslims in occupied Kashmir, have also seen their rights erode under BJP rule, as Hindutva flexes its muscles in the ‘world’s biggest democracy’.
In his message linked to the day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged governments to take “concrete steps to address hate speech” while urging “online platforms … to wipe out hate speech and harassment”. Indeed, hate speech, amplified by social media sites, can have a deadly impact. Rumours and untruths spread online have real-world consequences, including violent attacks on entire communities. Therefore, the UN chief’s call to governments and online platforms must be heeded. When lawmakers use offensive language against religious or ethnic communities, and are not censured, it tells the public that it is acceptable to otherise and demean these groups. Similarly, social media sites have a lot to answer for. Under the guise of free speech, their algorithms push hateful rhetoric against Muslims and other groups, often reflecting the twisted views of their billionaire owners. In a just world, there can be no room for Islamophobia and other forms of faith- and race-based hatred.
Published in Dawn, March 15th, 2026
