Islamophobia and UN resolution
THE UN’s decision to recognise March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia must be lauded, especially in the backdrop of global hate crimes and state-sanctioned bias against Muslims. The decision was approved by the UN General Assembly after a resolution was introduced by Pakistan. Along with calling for the international community to curb Islamophobia, the resolution also condemns bias against followers of other faiths. The sad truth is that for millions of people around the world, Islamophobia is not some nebulous concept, but a toxic everyday reality. Read: Islamophobia escalating to pandemic proportions, warns Pakistan Islamophobia can take several forms, which can include insidious attempts to exclude Muslims from jobs, housing and education on the basis of their faith. Or it can take more violent forms, such as state-sanctioned attacks and pogroms targeting the Muslim community. All of these manifestations of hate need to be combated vigorous...