Dear Friends, Today, March 15, is the first-ever United Nations International Day to Combat Islamophobia. From its beginning, NRCAT has challenged the anti-Muslim hatred that contributed to the dehumanization and torture of Muslims in the U.S. government's response to the attacks of 9/11. The United Nations has prepared a resource that provides a working definition of Islamophobia, points to international resolutions calling for a global response to anti-Muslim rhetoric and violence, and links Islamophobia to the rapid rise of ethno-nationalism worldwide. In marking this day, the UN also draws on a 2021 report by the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief that outlines the consequences of Islamophobia on impacted communities and the ways in which it undermines human rights and religious freedom. Over the years the NRCAT membership has led collective efforts to close Guantanamo, where 31 Muslim men are still being held and 17 of them are cleared for transfer to another country. We have challenged the federal Bureau of Prisons’ placement of U.S. Muslims falsely accused of “terrorism” in communication management cells (solitary confinement). And we have publicly worked to end the fear and hatred which drives Islamophobia in its many forms in this country and abroad. Today we invite you to join us in confronting Islamophobia by: Islamophobia will not leave the national psyche of this country or any other country on its own. We applaud the UN for setting aside this annual day of remembrance, recognition and action, and hope you can join us in working to end Islamophobia here in the U.S. on this day and every day. Rev. T.C. Morrow
Director of Finance & Operations | |
