DESI FORUM
TOWARDS A MORE INCLUSIVE CANADA
The Canadian Guide to Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia: For a More Inclusive Canada is an important contribution to understanding the specific experiences of Muslims in Canada, amidst a broader rise of hate and intolerance. Image credit: SACHA VERHEIJ on Unsplash.
Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, announced the government of Canada’s first-ever publication on Islamophobia – The Canadian Guide to Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia: For a More Inclusive Canada.
Developed with extensive input from experts on Islamophobia, members of Canadian Muslim communities, civil society organizations, and government partners, this new guide serves as a comprehensive resource for combatting Islamophobia across Canada.
The guide intends to raise awareness on Islamophobia, explain its various manifestations and provides practical strategies for Canadians to counter Islamophobia in their lives. It supports the objectives of Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028 and the Action Plan on Combating Hate, to strengthen social cohesion and build a more inclusive society.
The guide provides a contemporary perspective on Islamophobia, exploring its adverse impacts on individuals and communities, and how these impacts can be compounded for people with intersecting identities. It spotlights the diversity of Canadian Muslims, addresses common misconceptions and challenges myths.
It aims to familiarize, empower and equip the public including educators, employers, law enforcement, students, decision-makers, community leaders to counter anti-Muslim discrimination by:
• Raising awareness and understanding: Educating people about Islamophobia, challenging stereotypes, and promoting religious literacy.
• Supporting communities: Sharing resources, being allies, and reporting Islamophobic incidents.
• Underscoring institutional change: Implementing training programs, creating clear and safe reporting systems, and auditing workplace cultures for inclusivity.
• Providing resources: Ensuring that those affected by Islamophobia have access to support networks and inclusive leadership.
“I am proud to introduce a new reference tool to combat Islamophobia in Canada,” said Elghawaby. “Establishing a shared framework for action is essential, and this educational guide will help us drive meaningful change at the national level. This is an important step in our collective efforts to ensure that Canadian Muslims can live with dignity and respect, free from harassment and discrimination. Together, let’s build a Canada where everyone belongs.”
“This guide is an important contribution to understanding the specific experiences of Muslims in Canada, amidst a broader rise of hate and intolerance in Canada,” said Charlotte-Anne Malischewski, Interim Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
“Islamophobia is on the rise in Canada,” said Husein Panju, of the Canadian Muslim Lawyers Association. “Our members have experienced discrimination in schools and workplaces or support clients who have faced disproportionate harm from anti-Muslim hate and discrimination in all areas of life. ”
For more info and to access the guide, visit The Canadian Guide to Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia: For a more inclusive Canada at Canada.ca.