FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CAIR Welcomes Maryland Governor’s Citation in Recognition of March 15 as UN-Designated ‘International Day to Combat Islamophobia’
(BALTIMORE, Md., 3/15/2023) – The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed a citation issued by Governor Wes Moore in recognition of today, March 15, as the first United Nations-recognized ‘International Day to Combat Islamophobia.’
SEE: International Day to Combat Islamophobia 15 March
https://www.un.org/en/
The Governor’s Citation reads:
“Governor of the State of Maryland to Maryland’s Muslim Communities, Greetings: Be it known: that on behalf of the citizens of this State, in recognition of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.. we gather as a community; reaffirming the purposes and principles of the charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, for the promotion and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons; and as the people of Maryland join together in expressing our great respect, admiration and gratitude, we are pleased to confer upon you this Governor’s Citation.”
“This message affirming our collective dignity and humanity resonates strongly in times when many Maryland Muslims have themselves faced bigotry, or have family and loved ones who are adversely impacted by the global rise in fascism and tyranny, because of their faith,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “We want to acknowledge and express our appreciation for Governor Moore and his administration’s gesture of solidarity underscoring that hate has no home in our state as we encourage continued dialogue and engagement.”
On March 15, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution introduced by Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation proclaiming the date as ‘International Day to Combat Islamophobia.’ The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) first commemorated March 15th in 2021. March 15th marks the anniversary of the anti-Muslim mass shooting that took the lives of 51 men, women and children in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Earlier today, CAIR announced a historic declaration in partnership with advocacy groups from over thirty countries joining together to pledge to cooperate in the struggle against global Islamophobia.
SEE: Global Muslim Groups Unite, Issue Historic Declaration Marking March 15th as International Day to Combat Islamophobia
The joint declaration, the first ever issued by Muslim civic organizations around the world, was signed by Muslim organizations active in over 30 different countries, including Australia, Belgium, France, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.
SEE: International Muslim Unity Declaration Marking International Day to Combat Islamophobia
https://www.cair.com/wp-
In the joint statement released today, CAIR and Muslim community groups around the world made the following joint calls to action:
-
Nations should recognize the UN International Day to Combat Islamophobia
-
Muslim-majority nations should challenge Islamophobia internationally
-
All governments should protect places of worship from hate crimes
-
Political leaders should engage with their Muslim constituents
-
Communities should build bridges with neighbors of different faiths
In the declaration, the groups noted, “Those who target Muslims want us to give up. They want us to stop caring about each other. They want us to stop working with our diverse neighbors. We say, No. We stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters, and all victims of injustice in not only our respective countries, but around the world.”
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
END
CONTACT: CAIR Office in Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, 410-971-6062, [email protected]