Has the UK Failed in Preventing Islamophobia - Project Focus

What’s going on?

The anti-muslim hatred working group (AMHWG) hasn't met since before Covid, meaning there has been over 4 years of inactivity. In the light of spiking hate crime statistics, and considering that 3.9 million people in the UK are Muslims (6.5%), the lack of action towards Islamophobia is concerning.

Who are the Anti-Muslim Hatred Working Group

The AMHWG are recognised group established to help tackle anti-muslim hatred. Its members include representatives from muslim communities, experts, and academics. It is additionally supported by numerous government sectors.

Why is this an issue?

Within the UK there has been a reported 335% increase in UK anti-muslim hate crimes since that Hamas attacks on the 7th of October. Between then and February, that's 600 more than the previous year. 

With this spike in hate crimes, it seems more vital than ever for there to be an official group dedicated to tackling these issues and keeping the Muslim community safe.

Why is this an issue, pt. 2?

Additionally to the spike in hate crimes, there is also speculation of Islamophobia amongst the government, with conservative MP, Lee Anderson, making comments that Islamists have control of the London mayor. Islamophobia has always been an issue in the UK government, with conservative MP Nusrat Ghani claiming that she lost her job due to being a muslim woman. 

What is being done?

Whilst the AMHWG have not officially met in over four years, there is an Islamophobia response unit which offers online support for those who have experienced Islamophobic incidents.

Additionally, the Muslim Engagement and Development organisation (MEND) have worked towards tackling Islamophobia across the UK, and urges British muslims to get involved with media and politics.

What is being done, pt. 2?

Nihil Saad spoke at a UNAOC meeting, discussing things that have been done to prevent discrimination generally, with nods to Islamophobia. She points out that they have built initiatives, supported organisations that promote diversity, and delivered peer-to-peer learning workshops between young religious leaders and social media actors.

What needs to be done?

Whilst the charities are extremely beneficial, and provide support for muslims who have experienced anti-muslim hate, there is a need for the government to get involved and to help their own citizens. It is essential that the working group meet again, especially at a time of high islamophobia.

Sources

Mend (Muslim Engagement and Development)

UNAOC Director Addressed the Coordination Meeting on Anti-Muslim Hatred at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg - UNAOC

Why is the UK’s conservative party facing a firestorm over Islamophobia? - Aljazeera

Religion by age and sex, England and Wales: Census 2021 - Office for National Statistics

Anti-Muslim Hatred Working Group - Gov.uk

Anti-Muslim cases surge in UK since Hamas attacks, charity finds - BBC News

Islamophobia Response Unit

With Islamophobia on Rise, Everyone Must Work Together to End Anti-Muslim Hate, Bigotry Everywhere, Secretary-General Stresses in Observance Message - United Nations.