Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper), As the first light of dawn pierces the darkness, the International Day to Combat Islamophobia emerges not merely as a date on our calendars but as a profound call to action.
With the European Parliamentary Elections just around the corner, the continent is captured in a web of tension and uncertainty. The rise of far-right ideologies and the shrinking of civic space across are not just trends but also alarm bells for all who cherish democratic values and human rights. The infringement on minority rights challenges the foundations on which the European Union was built, liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.
In response to the escalating tide of Islamophobia and its dangerous impact on Muslim lives in Europe and beyond, the United Nations designated March 15th as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. This specific day was selected to commemorate the harrowing events of the Christchurch Massacre in 2019.
Fifty–one Muslim life brutally extinguished by the flames of far-right hate– the youngest of which was a child in the tender spring age of 5 years old – serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences when Islamophobia is left unchecked. This tragedy, alongside the murder of Marwa Sherbini, the Hanau shootings, the ascent of Islamophobic political discourse in many European countries, and the restrictions on Muslim women’s freedom of speech reaffirms that Islamophobia is not a looming specter from our past but a pervasive shadow darkening our present and threatening our future.
The massacre at Christchurch stands as a firm monument to the price of hatred, racism, and inhumanity and as a harsh demonstration of the cost of hatred, ignorance, and inhumanity. It was a catastrophe that not only shook the world but also showcased the lethal impact of racist theories such as the Great Replacement theory, which the killer explicitly cited as his inspiration. This tragedy spotlighted the dire need for a united front against the multi-faceted scourge of Islamophobia.
As FEMYSO, the sole pan-European network representing the voice of European Muslim youth, we have firsthand encountered the harsh realities of institutional Islamophobia and the shrinking of the civic space. This has been illustrated by a 5$ million smear campaign orchestrated to discredit and compromise the legitimacy of organizations advocating against Islamophobia.
Election season often spells out fear for minorities, who are often employed as scapegoats in populist narratives across the region, a strategy employed by some parties to garner votes, necessitating a stronger response from progressive parties who must champion our shared values, especially in a Parliament leaning increasingly to the right.
At the core of this tense political discourse lies the blatant double standards applied in the face of the ongoing plausible genocide in Palestine. The selective application of principles of equality and justice not only undermines the union’s credibility, but it severely erodes the trust of its citizens. The rise in securitization, the branding of vocal organizations as extremists, and the penalization of students for expressing solidarity are manifestations of the constraints on freedom of expression. As we witness these double standards, we must confront the uncomfortable truth that the battle against Islamophobia is also a fight for the soul of Europe.
With less than 100 days until the European Elections, the journey is presented with challenges, but it is also ripe with opportunities for political entities to stand unequivocally against Islamophobia. Unfortunately, current European and National policies still fail to address Islamophobia effectively, at , from ensuring legal protections and addressing hate crimes, and collecting data, to safeguarding freedoms of association expression.
Therefore, this International Day Against Islamophobia must transcend commemoration; it must act as a catalyst for change, a beacon of hope for Europe that holds to its promise of unity in diversity.
The future we envision for Muslim youth and all minorities in the EU is within our grasp, but a reality that we must actively shape with empathy, courage, and perseverance. As FEMYSO’s president, I hold onto the light illuminating a path toward a more inclusive, diverse and vibrant Europe.,
Opinions expressed in the op-ed section are solely those of the individual author and do not represent the official stance of our newspaper. We believe in providing a platform for a wide range of voices and perspectives, even those that may challenge or differ from our own. As always, we remain committed to providing our readers with high-quality, fair, and balanced journalism. Thank you for your continued support.Sincerely, The Brussels Morning Team
