Rising Islamophobia Threatens Social Stability and Demands Collective Response: ICESCO
Speaking at the session titled “Hate Against Muslims in Politics: Legal Frameworks and Advocacy Strategies,” Mohamed Hedi Shili, Director of the Legal Affairs and International Standards Department at ICESCO, stressed that Islamophobia is not a recent development—but one that has intensified in both frequency and severity in recent years.
“Discussing ways to combat Islamophobia is both a crucial and timely issue. Hostility towards Muslims is not a new phenomenon; however, in recent years, the frequency and intensity of such incidents have significantly increased,” he stated during the session, Azertag reported on Monday.
Shili explained that Islamophobia is not limited to personal bias or isolated incidents. It often operates at a structural level, permeating media narratives, educational environments, cultural discourse, and the job market.
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Citing recent studies, he said that 39% of Muslims have experienced general discrimination. The same data shows that 35% faced prejudice at work, and an equal percentage struggled with housing discrimination. In hiring, 45% of women wearing hijabs reported being treated unfairly. In educational institutions, 35% of Muslims said they had encountered discrimination based on their identity.
“These facts demonstrate that the current measures are insufficient,” Shili stated.
He expressed concern that threats and acts of hostility are becoming more visible and severe, posing a danger not only to individuals but to societal cohesion.
“Under these circumstances, our only viable path forward is joint action and international cooperation. To effectively combat Islamophobia, states, international organizations, civil society institutions, and the media must work together. We must show solidarity to uphold the universal values that ensure peace and mutual respect.”
Source: Agencies
