Baku: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev addressed participants at the International Conference titled ‘Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas,’ organized to mark the third anniversary of the ‘International Day to Combat Islamophobia’ established by the UN. The event, held in Baku, aims to raise awareness of the growing issue of Islamophobia, which is increasingly seen as a global concern.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev emphasized the importance of implementing UN General Assembly resolutions aimed at combating Islamophobia. He highlighted that Islamophobia is not confined to a single country but is observed globally, manifesting in forms such as racism, discrimination, hate speech, and institutional bias. These manifestations hinder Muslims’ integration into society and foster an environment of intolerance.
President Aliyev criticized certain countries, which, despite their history of colonialism and human rights violations, now enact policies restricting the rights and religious freedoms of Muslims. He condemned actions intended to insult the Islamic faith, such as attacks on mosques and the desecration of Muslim cemeteries, which are often justified under the guise of ‘freedom of speech.’ Moreover, he noted that some countries not only fail to combat Islamophobia but even encourage it, with far-right parties using anti-Islamic rhetoric to gain political support.
The Azerbaijani leader also pointed out the role of media in perpetuating Islamophobic sentiments by equating Islam with extremism and terrorism, thereby fostering negative perceptions of Muslims. He explained that Azerbaijan has experienced Islamophobia firsthand, referencing the Khojaly genocide and the destruction of Islamic cultural sites during Armenia’s occupation of Azerbaijani lands.
President Aliyev acknowledged the efforts being made to restore religious and cultural heritage sites in liberated territories and highlighted Azerbaijan’s commitment to promoting tolerance and multiculturalism. He underscored the importance of unity among Muslim nations in addressing and combating Islamophobia, calling for solidarity and mutual support to confront this global issue.
The president concluded by expressing hope that the conference would contribute significantly to unveiling biases and shattering stigmas surrounding Islam, reinforcing the message that Islam is a religion of peace and compassion.