Joint Statement by Libyan NGOs on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia

Libyan Human Rights Organizations Mark International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Call for National Action Against Hate Speech

Tripoli – 15 March 2026

A coalition of Libyan human rights organizations marked the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, warning that rising anti‑Muslim hatred poses a growing threat to human rights and social cohesion worldwide.

In a joint statement, the organizations stressed that “Islamophobia does not harm Muslims alone; it undermines the universal values of equality, dignity, and the rule of law.” They urged Libyan authorities to adopt a comprehensive national policy to counter hate speech and discrimination, integrate respect for diversity into school curricula, and strengthen the role of Libyan embassies in protecting citizens abroad.

The organizations also highlighted the responsibility of media and civil society to challenge harmful stereotypes, monitor violations, and promote a culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Ref: PRS 2026/03/1016

March 15, 2026

Joint Statement by Libyan NGOs on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia

“Let us commit to fostering mutual respect and understanding, strengthening social cohesion, and building inclusive societies grounded in peace and justice.” — United Nations Secretary‑General

On 15 March, the world marks the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, a day established by the United Nations General Assembly following the horrific terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2019, which claimed 51 lives and injured dozens more. That tragedy exposed the deadly consequences of rising anti‑Muslim hatred and demonstrated how hate speech can escalate into violent extremism targeting individuals solely because of their faith.

The UN resolution establishing this day reaffirmed that terrorism and violent extremism cannot and must not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group. It called on governments, institutions, civil society, and the private sector to promote awareness, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence at all levels.

Islamophobia: A Global Threat to Rights and Social Cohesion

According to the United Nations, Islamophobia today undermines human rights and weakens social cohesion. While prejudice against Muslims is not new, it has intensified in recent years due to factors such as the so‑called “war on terror,” economic insecurity, and demographic change. Media and political narratives have often contributed to fear and resentment by portraying Muslims as extremists or as threats to public safety.

As a result, millions of Muslims worldwide face multiple forms of discrimination, including verbal and physical attacks, religious profiling, unequal access to employment, housing, healthcare, and education, and restrictions on the public practice of their faith. These patterns frequently intersect with discrimination based on race, nationality, gender, or socioeconomic status.

The UN Secretary‑General has repeatedly warned that anti‑Muslim hatred “does not only harm Muslims; it threatens the rights and freedoms of all.” He has urged governments to protect freedom of religion, counter hate speech, and uphold international human rights law, while calling on digital platforms to curb online harassment and incitement.

In 2025, the UN appointed a Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia to advance global efforts in this field. The Envoy emphasized that the mandate is “not about defending one religion, but about defending the right of all people to practice their religion or belief without fear.”

Our Call to Action

In line with these principles, the undersigned Libyan nongovernmental organizations affirm that combating hatred and discrimination is a shared national and international responsibility. We call on the:

The Libyan Authorities to

• Develop a comprehensive national policy to counter hate speech and discrimination, consistent with Libya’s international obligations.
• Integrate values of respect, diversity, and non‑denigration into school curricula from the earliest stages.
• Empower educational, religious, and media institutions to promote tolerance and social cohesion.
• Strengthen the role of Libyan embassies and consulates in protecting citizens abroad, especially in countries experiencing heightened levels of Islamophobia and hate‑motivated violence.

Civil Society to

• Launch nationwide awareness campaigns to challenge stereotypes and promote intercultural understanding.
• Monitor and document incidents of discrimination and hate speech, and coordinate with national and international bodies to address them.

Media and Digital Platforms

• Uphold professional and ethical standards when addressing issues of religion and identity.
• Counter misinformation and incitement, and provide space for responsible, constructive dialogue.

Islamophobia is not a challenge faced by Muslims alone; it is a threat to the universal values of equality, dignity, and the rule of law. On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, we renew our commitment to building a Libya where every person is protected from discrimination and hatred, regardless of their religion or belief.

Human Rights Solidarity Organisation

Tripoli – Libya

March 15, 2026

Signatory Organizations:

1. Al‑Bariq Child Rights Organization, Tripoli
2. Al‑Naseer Organization for Human Rights, Tripoli.
3. Belady Human Rights Watch, Misrata.
4. Ihqaq Organisation for Sustainable Development of Women and Children, Tripoli.
5. Human Rights Solidarity Organisation, Tripoli.
6. Arab International Organization for Women’s Rights, Tripoli
7. Atwar Organization for Research and Community Development, Tripoli.
8. Rowad Al‑Fikr Matras Organization, Matras.

References:

1. United Nations: “Message of the UN Secretary‑General on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia”, 15 March 2026.
2. France 24, “New Zealand: 49 killed in two terrorist attacks on mosques in the south of the country,” 15 March 2019.
3. List of Victims of the Christchurch Attack, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
4. CNN Arabic, “It began and ended with ‘As‑salāmu ʿalaykum’: Key statements by Jacinda Ardern on the 15 March massacre before the New Zealand Parliament,” 19 March 2019.
5. Al Jazeera, “United Nations declares 15 March the International Day to Combat Islamophobia,” 16 March 2022.
6. United Nations General Assembly: “Resolution proclaiming the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, A/RES/76/254”, 15 March 2022.
7. Al Jazeera, “Islamophobia: The suffering of Muslims in Western democracies,” 19 April 2019.
8. United Nations: “the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2026”.
9. United Nations: “United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech”, 2019.
10. United Nations: “General Assembly resolution on measures to combat Islamophobia”, March 21, 2024.
11. United Nations: “Message of the UN Secretary‑General on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2026”, 15 March 2026 — includes the statement: “The world’s two billion Muslims… far too often face institutional discrimination…”.