The United Nations General Assembly, through resolution 76/254 adopted in 2022, designated 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. It called on all Member States, entities of the United Nations system, as well as international and regional organizations, civil society, the private sector and religious institutions to mark this day. The Assembly also expressed deep concern regarding acts of violence committed against individuals because of their religion or beliefs, along with attacks directed at places of worship.
It is essential to underline the gravity of the consequences linked to Islamophobia and hate speech targeting Muslims. Such phenomena result in serious violations of a number of fundamental rights, including the right to physical integrity, freedom of religion, freedom of expression, protection from discrimination on religious grounds, as well as the political rights of Muslim citizens.
Moreover, Islamophobia continues to intensify. In recent months, hundreds of troubling incidents and developments have been reported around the world. These include the burning of the Qur’an, attacks on mosques, and assaults against individuals — including women and children — as well as the implementation of discriminatory policies and heightened surveillance directed at Muslims and at those expressing support for Palestine.
In a report released a few days ago, the Council on American-Islamic Relations stated that acts of discrimination and attacks targeting Muslims and Arabs in the United States reached a record high in 2025. The organization documented 8,683 complaints related to Islamophobic and anti-Arab incidents, the highest number recorded since it began tracking such cases in 1996. In Germany, 930 Islamophobic crimes were reported during the first nine months of 2025. A similar upward trend has been observed in several other European countries as well as in Australia. According to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, nearly 90% of hate incidents targeting Muslims are never reported, which further complicates efforts to identify and address them effectively.
Alkarama once again urges the governments of countries where Islamophobia is prevalent to take preventive measures aimed at addressing this phenomenon. It also calls for the prosecution of anyone responsible for attacks against Muslims motivated by religion or for spreading hate speech in society, while highlighting the importance of promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence.