The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has voiced deep concern over the escalating incidents of anti-Muslim hatred across the globe. USCIRF Chair Abraham Cooper highlighted the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, which led to the establishment of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
Cooper emphasized the need for improved measures to counter disinformation, hate speech, and incitement of violence against religious minorities on social media platforms.
“Today marks five years since the terrorist attack on the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand. This devastating attack initiated the creation of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Given that the perpetrator broadcast these murders live over social media, USCIRF calls for better mechanisms to prevent widespread disinformation, hate speech, and incitement of violence toward religious minorities on all social media platforms,” said USCIRF Chair Abraham Cooper.
Cooper urged the United States to condemn foreign governments failing to safeguard their Muslim communities from anti-Muslim hatred. He stressed the urgency of addressing the scourge of anti-Muslim hatred.
“USCIRF also strongly urges the United States to call out foreign governments who fail to protect their Muslim communities from acts of anti-Muslim hatred wherever they occur. The scourge of anti-Muslim hatred must come to an end,” he added.
USCIRF underscored concerns about the implementation of India's Citizenship Amendment Act, which explicitly excludes Muslim refugees from neighboring countries such as Shi'a and Ahmadiyya Muslims from Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The statement also noted the bias, discrimination, and violence faced by Muslims worldwide. In Burma, the junta is resisting international efforts to hold them accountable for the genocidal campaign against Rohingya Muslims. China faces condemnation for its treatment of Uyghur
USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity mandated by the U.S. Congress, it monitors, analyzes, and reports on religious freedom globally, issuing recommendations to policymakers to combat religious persecution and promote freedom of religion.
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login