OSCE urges resolute fight against Islamophobia amid rising anti-Muslim sentiment

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe issued a written statement on the occasion of the International Day against Islamophobia on Saturday, highlighting the need to combat Islamophobia and take more decisive approaches to this issue.

The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Elina Valtonen and other high-level representatives expressed their views in the statement.

"It is our duty to work together to ensure that every individual, regardless of their religion or belief, can live free from fear, prejudice, and violence. The OSCE remains steadfast in its commitment to combating anti-Muslim hatred and fostering inclusive, peaceful societies built on mutual respect and understanding," Valtonen said.

Maria Telalian, director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, said that to effectively combat intolerance against Muslims, political and public leaders must condemn and criticize such behavior wherever and whenever it occurs.

"We also need to take into account the fact that anti-Muslim threats and violence have a particularly damaging effect on Muslim women and girls. The primary responsibility for combating intolerance lies with governments, and the OSCE has committed to taking steps that address discrimination and violence against Muslims," Telalian said.

"Acknowledging the discrimination and hatred many Muslims face worldwide, the United Nations has declared 15 March the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. All OSCE participating States have committed to fighting prejudice, intolerance and discrimination against Muslims and to advance freedom of religion or belief for everyone," the statement said.