Islamophobia is defined as “a form of racism and xenophobia caused by the misinformation, distrust, hatred, and fear felt toward Islam.” Anti-Islam discourses paint Muslim individuals as terrorists by linking them with terrorism and violance and target them thus. These discourses fuel discrimination and exclusion against Muslims in all areas of social life. Islamophobic propaganda and hate speeches spreading across social media and other communication channels negatively impact the daily lives of Muslims. This situation damages the sense of unity in the society and provides the ground for festering of prejudice and discrimination.

All actors of international community has to act decisively to combat Islamophobia and make a joint effort to prevent all kinds of discrimination against Islam and Muslims. Within this framework, United Nations (UN) General Assembly designated March 15 as the “International Day to Combat Islamophobia” which appears as an important achievement in terms of drawing attention to Islamophobia and strengthening international solidarity.

The spread of practices and policies that discriminate against Muslim individuals shakes the world peace, requiring codification studies to be carried out at a universal level in order to combat anti-Muslim racism and discrimination. Our institution, in line with its mission to protect and promote human rights and prevent discrimination, keeps its determination up in the fight against Islamophobia and celebrates March 15 International Day to Combat Islamophobia hoping for a world where all kinds of discrimination and prejudice against Muslim individuals end.

Respectfully announced to the public.