14/03/2025 Equality and Non-Discrimination
Francesco Verducci (Italy, SOC), PACE General Rapporteur on Combating Racism and Intolerance, has made the following statement to mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia (15 March 2025):
“On this day we not only commemorate the victims of the tragic mass shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand, on 15 March 2019, but also all those who have suffered from hatred and bigotry simply for being, or being perceived as, Muslim.
The stigmatisation and dehumanisation of Muslim persons and communities are intensifying across Europe and beyond and they are a serious cause for concern. Muslim communities are too often misrepresented as unwilling to live in harmony with other groups and the rest of society, and unjustly associated with terrorism. In reality, Muslims are the group most affected by terrorist violence worldwide, and the vast majority of attacks in Europe are perpetrated by groups that have nothing to do with them.
While discrimination takes many forms, today I would like to address Islamophobia in public and political discourse, often amounting to actual hate speech. It is regrettable that, in politics, irrational fears and harmful stereotypes about Muslims, as well as other minorities, are exploited for electoral gain. But true leadership lies in upholding the rights and dignity of all through fostering unity and cohesion.
On this International Day, I also call on media, from traditional outlets to digital and social platforms, to refrain from amplifying prejudice and hostility. This is not matter of choice but a fundamental duty of responsible journalists and communication actors.
Let's all join forces and contribute, in our respective realms, to eradicating hate and defending justice for everyone.”