As we bid farewell to 2023, the Anti-Islamophobia Working Group (AIWG) takes a moment to reflect on the meaningful impact we and our stakeholders have made in combating prejudice, fostering understanding and building a more inclusive society in Britain.
Shortly following our November launch, aptly during Islamophobia Awareness Month, on the 3rd November, We delivered a petition to Downing Street, calling on the Prime Minister to meet with us, so we can create meaningful change and tackle Islamophobia.
The delegation included: Show Racism the Red Card, the Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre, the Aziz Foundation, the former UN Special Rapporteur on religious freedom, Ahmed Shaheed, and AIWG founder and director, Anisa Mahmood.
This was shortly followed by an interview with Islam Channel regarding our petition to Downing Street, where Anisa Mahmood highlighted the concerning surge in Islamophobia in the UK, as well as the dangers of conflating Islam and terrorism.
Our exclusive in the Daily Mail went live on the 6th of November, covering the surge of Islamophobia and asking the Prime Minister to take action.
On the 7th of November, Anisa Mahmood spoke about the importance of effective allyship and educating individuals on how Islamophobia impacts British Muslims, as well as highlighting the importance of taking practical steps such as recognising a definition on Islamophobia and better data collection.
The following week, she spoke at Leyton Orient Football Club! It was an engaging and informative day, teaching students from Year 5 & 6 about racism, the importance of intersectionality and allyship, and delivering Show Racism the Red Card's anti-racism workshop to 100 local pupils.
This also included an amazing panel, including Muslim and non-Muslim football players from the Club.
Hosted by the US Embassy, we next met with officials from the US State Department and the US Goverment to discuss Islamophobia in the US and U.K. It’s moving to see the Biden Administration appoint a special envoy on Religious Freedom and Islamophobia - Rashad Hussain - and formally recognise the UN working definition on Islamophobia.
Azeem Rafiq also shared his experience of racism and Islamophobia in cricket.
November the 14th saw us meet with officials from Westminster City Council and speak about the important work Anti-Islamophobia Working Group is undertaking and how it aligns with the council’s values in building a “Fairer Westminster”.
The Council also lit up green to mark Islamophobia Awareness Month, a beautiful expression of solidarity!
We next wrote to the newly appointed Home Secretary, James Cleverly MP, calling on him to protect and safeguard the British Muslim community from the scourge of Islamophobia. We asked to meet with him, to outline what steps the Home Office is taking in light of the pro-Palestine protest that week (characterised as ‘hate marches’ by the former Home Secretary, where Met Police arrested over 120 right-wing ‘counter protestors’).
On the 20th of November, we hosted an event at the Wesminster City Council, boasting an incredible line-up of guests: Show Racism the Red Card; Top Boy Actor, Alessandro Babalola; Model and Humanitarian, Mariah Idrissi; and one of Britain’s youngest Imam’s, Sabah Ahmedi, as well as the Co-Chairs of the Council’s multi-faith network.
The event aimed to raise awareness of the sobering reality of Islamophobia, recognise the importance of effective allyship, celebrate British Muslim excellence and achievement and take meaningful steps to tackle this insidious hatred.
We also met with the London Fire Brigade to address the dramatic surge in hate crimes across London. Arson attacks on Mosques have been reported and demand urgent action. The AIWG will hopefully continue working with them in the future to raise awareness, engage with the community and help educate individuals on safeguarding places of worship and their homes.
As well as this, the AIWG organised an event with the Arab League and the Islamic Cultural Centre to mark the UN day for tolerance. Anisa Mahmood spoke about the sobering reality of Islamophobia which permeates through all aspects of society and life, especially against the backdrop of rising hate crimes, and a climate of division and intolerance.
We concluded the evening with an interfaith peace prayer.
As the month drew to a close, Anisa Mahmood was invited to the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)'s Faith Centre to speak on how the Government can better engage faith communities. The faith centre at LSE has a long history of fostering interfaith dialogue and promoting inclusivity.
The LSE also agreed to formally recognise Islamophobia Awareness Month going forward!
On the 29th, government adviser on antisemitism, Lord Mann, invited Anisa to Parliament to learn about our work. It was deeply moving to address the sharp rise in both anti-semitism and Islamophobia over recent weeks.
We made it clear that we stand united against all forms of hatred and discrimination, and look forward to working with Lord Mann in the future.
During the month of December, the Anti-Islamophobia Working Group (AIWG) kept an unyielding momentum, remaining steadfast in our commitment to combating Islamophobia. Our team tirelessly conducted research and collaborated to delve deeper into the roots and manifestations of Islamophobia.
As we celebrate these milestones, the AIWG expresses gratitude to our dedicated members, community partners, and supporters who have contributed to our successes. Together, we've made significant strides toward a more inclusive and tolerant society.
But our mission is not complete, yet. The past year has been marked by a concerning surge in Islamophobic incidents, exacerbated by global events. and other forms of prejudice have reared their heads, demanding our collective attention and action.
Here's to another year of collaboration, understanding, and positive change.
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