Commission calls for urgent action on rising Islamophobia

To mark this year’s International Day to Combat Islamophobia, the Australian Human Rights Commission is renewing its call for urgent action to address rising discrimination against Muslims in Australia.

Observed on 15 March, the day presents a vital opportunity to acknowledge the fear and hate experienced by Muslim communities throughout the country and to ensure they feel safe and free from discrimination.

The Islamophobia Register Australia has recorded significant increases in Islamophobia including online incidents. The Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, has reported that Islamophobia is pervasive and normalised in Australia. The Commission’s Racism@Uni report reveals it affects communities in tertiary education with disproportionate vilification and exclusion of Muslim students and staff. The Scanlon Foundation has recorded rises in negative anti-Muslim sentiment over the past 3 years.

Recent incidents and public commentary have underscored the harmful consequences of normalising Islamophobia, contributing to an environment in which discrimination and hostility are fuelled and violence is more likely. Politicians and prominent media figures have used racist, dehumanising words, there have been multiple death threats sent to mosques and an alleged planned terror attack on mosques.

Islamophobia harms people, families and communities, and violates fundamental rights. Combating it requires sustained, coordinated and evidence‑based action.

The Commission urges governments, institutions and community leaders to prioritise implementation of the following national anti‑racism measures:

The National Anti‑Racism Framework 

The Commission delivered the Framework to the Australian Government in November 2024. It is essential to guiding initiatives for prevention, education and accountability for racism across all jurisdictions.

Racism@Uni report recommendations 

The report makes 47 recommendations to both Government and universities that focus on 5 outcomes. The outcomes include a national framework for anti‑racism in universities, safe and accountable universities, inclusive curriculum, and diverse leadership and workforce.

On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, we’re calling on all Australians to commit to building a society in which every person, regardless of faith, can live with safety, dignity and respect.

Background 

The United Nations (UN) adopted a resolution in 2022 designating 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. It is a universal call for the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace, based on respect for human rights and for the diversity of religions and belief across the globe. It also falls on the anniversary of the mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch New Zealand, where 51 Muslims were tragically killed while praying, in 2019.