The U.S. State Department observed the first International Day to Combat Islamophobia March 15 by reaffirming the nation's dedication to supporting individual freedom.
"On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, we call attention to people around the world who are harassed, detained or even killed for practicing Islam or being perceived as Muslim," Sec. of State Antony Blinken said in a Twitter post. "We are committed to combating all forms of Islamophobia."
In 2022, the United Nations declared March 15 as International Day to Combat Islamophobia, the DOS reports in its March 15 press statement. March 15 is also the date when 51 Muslim worshippers were killed and 40 more injured in a terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand four years ago, the release reports.
"Muslims worldwide too often face discrimination and hatred based on their religious beliefs," Blinken states in the release. He quoted the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief as telling the Human Rights Council in 2021 that "Institutional suspicion of Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim has escalated to epidemic proportions.”
"Every person, everywhere, has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and belief, including the freedom to change their beliefs or not believe," Blinken states in the press release. "Each person also has the freedom, either individually or in community with others, in public or private, to manifest those beliefs in worship, observance, practice, and teaching."
Blinken reiterated the U.S. commitment to advocate for the individual freedom to "live in accordance with the dictates of their consciences and speak out on behalf of those who have been denied the ability to do so.
"As Muslims worldwide prepare for their holy month of Ramadan, a time of fasting and caring for communities," Blinken states in the release, "let us here in the United States and abroad, work to combat this hatred."
