Article 18 Alliance Statement – Anti-Muslim Hatred

As members, friends, and observers of the IRFBA – Article 18 Alliance, we honor and recognize the positive contribution of members of the Muslim faith to the culture, values, security, and prosperity of states. We strongly condemn any persecution or discrimination based on religion or belief, including the freedom not to hold a religion, all over the world.

We uphold the right of Muslims and all persons to freedom of religion or belief and the ability of Muslims and all persons to practice their religion, to live their lives free from fear and discrimination and to be free to fully participate in the life of society.

We note that in today’s global political context, instances of physical and verbal attacks against Muslims, and those perceived to belong to this group, have increased. These attacks which come within the context of heightened societal tensions and political polarization, threaten the exercise of freedom of religion or belief. They have taken many forms, online and offline, as the perpetuation of discriminatory narratives and harassment on social media have intensified, often spurred on by public expressions of religiously motivated hatred. No one should face violence, censorship, nor exclusion on account of their religion or belief.

We recognize the important role governments play, and we are convinced that countries that effectively safeguard the rights of individuals to organize their lives in accordance with their conscience, faith and belief are more stable and economically vibrant than those that do not.

We condemn all prejudice, discrimination, or animosity directed towards members of Muslim communities, denouncing all instances of hatred based on race, ethnicity, religion or belief, or background. Therefore,

- We support continued action to counter all forms of discrimination or harassment, both physical and online, against Muslim communities whilst working to protect members of these groups from violent attacks.

- We call on all national authorities to ensure the safety of members of Muslim communities, including in places of worship, workplaces, schools, or homes.

- We encourage local authorities and civil society representatives to advocate for continued monitoring of physical threats against places of worship.

- We call on national/regional/international authorities as well as leaders of all faith or belief backgrounds to condemn violence and support multi-faith dialogues, alongside efforts of citizens, governmental institutions, and civil society organizations fostering respect for freedom of religion or belief and other human rights and fundamental freedoms.

We stand together for our shared values of human rights, based on human dignity, and aiming at social inclusion for all.

Signatories: Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Kosovo, Malta, Norway, Order of Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, and the Netherlands