Cairo: Secretary-General of the Arab League (AL) Ahmed Aboul Gheit stated that Islamophobia is a dangerous phenomenon that cannot be ignored or overlooked. The AL secretary-general emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to examine the dimensions of Islamophobia, analyze its roots, and search for clear solutions to confront and prevent it in the future.
According to Emirates News Agency, Aboul Gheit's remarks were delivered in a speech by ambassador Ahmed Rashid Khattabi, AL Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Media and Communication Department, during an international conference on combating Islamophobia. The conference was held at the AL headquarters under the theme: 'Islamophobia: Concept and Practice in the Current Global Context.'
The secretary-general of the pan-Arab body highlighted the meeting's aim to address a pressing humanitarian and ethical issue that impacts human conscience and poses a challenge to the values of coexistence, understanding, and mutual respect. Aboul Gheit identified several factors contributing to the spread of Islamophobia, including fragile legislation, artificial links between terrorism and extremism, ignorance of Islamic teachings, media incitement, fear of the "Other," and anxiety over national identity. These elements have resulted in increased anti-Muslim sentiment, prejudice, harmful stereotypes, and the spread of hatred and hostility.
He emphasized the need for a responsible approach to address this phenomenon, noting that the United Nations (UN) has recognized the seriousness of the situation by declaring an International Day to Combat Islamophobia and appointing a special UN envoy to address the issue.
