Institutional suspicion and fear of Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim has escalated to epidemic proportions, according to a UN rights expert.
UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Ahmed Shaheed told the Human Rights Council in Geneva, that “numerous” states, regional and international bodies were to blame.
Shaheed warned countries had responded to security threats “by adopting measures which disproportionately target Muslims and define Muslims as both high risk and at risk of radicalization”.
These measures include restricting Muslims from living according to their belief system, the securitization of religious communities, and limits on access to citizenship.
His report also highlighted socioeconomic exclusion and pervasive stigmatization of Muslim communities.
The UN Special Rapporteur noted that these developments followed the 9/11 terrorist attacks and other acts of terrorism purportedly carried out in the name of Islam.
Muslims targeted
Where Muslims are in the minority, he explained, they are frequently targeted based on stereotypical ‘Muslim’ characteristics, such as names, skin colour, and clothing.
The independent rights expert said “Islamophobic” discrimination and hostility were often intersectional, such as where “Muslim women may face a ‘triple penalty’ as women, minority ethnic and Muslims.
He added that harmful stereotypes and tropes about Muslims and Islam are chronically reinforced by mainstream media, powerful politicians, influencers of popular culture and in academic discourse”.
“I strongly encourage States to take all necessary measures to combat direct and indirect forms of discrimination against Muslims and prohibit any advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to violence”, Shaheed said.
Special Rapporteurs are part of the so-called Special Procedures mandate of the Human Rights Council and are not UN staff, nor do they receive a salary. They serve entirely in their individual capacity.
