On the occasion of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Alkarama emphasizes the grave consequences of Islamophobia and hate speech against Muslims, which manifest in serious violations of many of their fundamental rights, including the right to physical safety, the right to practice worship, freedom of expression, the right to non-discrimination based on religion, and the political rights of citizens of the Islamic faith.
In this context, Alkarama stresses the necessity for governments in countries where Islamophobia is rampant to take preventive measures to curb this phenomenon, hold accountable those proven to be involved in hostile acts against Muslims due to their beliefs, and those who contribute to spreading hate speech within society. It also calls for efforts to promote values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 76/254 of 2022, declared March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, inviting all member states, relevant UN system institutions, other international and regional organizations, civil society, the private sector, and religious organizations to observe it. The General Assembly also expressed deep dismay at all acts of violence directed against individuals because of their religion or beliefs, as well as at acts targeting their places of worship.
Despite this UN effort to reduce Islamophobia, the phenomenon continues to escalate worldwide, particularly in Europe, America, and India. In 2024, Europe witnessed a noticeable increase in Islamophobia, as studies and official reports indicated a rise in discrimination and attacks against Muslims. This was highlighted in a report issued in October 2024 by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights.
Additionally, the Council on American-Islamic Relations reported that cases of discrimination and attacks against Muslims and Arabs in the United States reached a new record in 2024. The number of registered complaints related to anti-Muslim and anti-Arab incidents amounted to 8,658, marking a 7.4% increase in 2024—the highest number since the council began collecting data in 1996.
In India, the Hate Lab India, which is part of the Center for the Study of Organized Hate in Washington, revealed in its report issued in February 2025 that incidents of hate speech targeting religious minorities—primarily Muslims—in India rose from 668 in 2023 to 1,165 in 2024, representing a staggering 74.4% increase. This surge is attributed to the extremist Hindu nationalist rhetoric promoted by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
Hate speech against Islam and Muslims has become normalized among political, media, and intellectual elites. While it was previously confined to far-right circles, it has now spread to the broader political and ideological spectrum, even reaching official state institutions.
The rhetoric and policies of the "war on terror" have played a significant role in exacerbating this phenomenon by primarily focusing on Muslims. This has reinforced public perceptions linking terrorism with Islam and Muslims, thereby creating the psychological and social conditions for hostile acts against Muslims and their places of worship.
Moreover, some authoritarian Arab governments —chief among them the United Arab Emirates— bear a significant responsibility for fueling Islamophobia in Europe as part of their fierce campaigns against Islamic movements, extending their fight from within Arab states to pursuing them abroad.