{"id":8573,"date":"2026-03-22T07:44:12","date_gmt":"2026-03-22T06:44:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hrsly.com\/?p=8573"},"modified":"2026-03-22T07:44:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-22T06:44:18","slug":"joint-statement-by-libyan-ngos-on-the-international-day-to-combat-islamophobia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hrsly.com\/en\/joint-statement-by-libyan-ngos-on-the-international-day-to-combat-islamophobia\/","title":{"rendered":"Joint Statement by Libyan NGOs on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Libyan Human Rights Organizations Mark International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Call for National Action Against Hate Speech<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tripoli \u2013 15 March 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A coalition of Libyan human rights organizations marked the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, warning that rising anti\u2011Muslim hatred poses a growing threat to human rights and social cohesion worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a joint statement, the organizations stressed that \u201cIslamophobia does not harm Muslims alone; it undermines the universal values of equality, dignity, and the rule of law.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ref: PRS 2026\/03\/1016<\/td>March 15, 2026<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Joint Statement by Libyan NGOs on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet us commit to fostering mutual respect and understanding, strengthening social cohesion, and building inclusive societies grounded in peace and justice.\u201d \u2014 United Nations Secretary\u2011General<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On 15 March, the world marks the International Day to Combat Islamophobia<\/strong>, 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\u2011Muslim hatred and demonstrated how hate speech can escalate into violent extremism targeting individuals solely because of their faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>. It called on governments, institutions, civil society, and the private sector to promote awareness, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence at all levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Islamophobia: A Global Threat to Rights and Social Cohesion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the United Nations, Islamophobia today undermines human rights and weakens social cohesion<\/strong>. While prejudice against Muslims is not new, it has intensified in recent years due to factors such as the so\u2011called \u201cwar on terror,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UN Secretary\u2011General has repeatedly warned that anti\u2011Muslim hatred \u201cdoes not only harm Muslims; it threatens the rights and freedoms of all.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2025, the UN appointed a Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia<\/strong> to advance global efforts in this field. The Envoy emphasized that the mandate is \u201cnot about defending one religion, but about defending the right of all people to practice their religion or belief without fear.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Call to Action<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Libyan Authorities to<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n