Muslim Engagement & Development is bringing people together to stand against Islamophobia with a series of events across the UK this November
Islamophobia Awareness Month was co-founded by MEND in 2012 to deconstruct stereotypes about Muslims
Not-for-profit organisation Muslim Engagement & Development (MEND) is holding an event at the Senedd on 5 November to mark the start of Islamophobia Awareness Month.
The event, titled ‘Post-Brexit Wales: Standing Together Against Islamophobia’, will see politicians, interfaith community leaders and other decision makers come together to discuss the impact of Brexit on Muslims in Wales. Members of the public are also welcome to attend.
According to a new Home Office report, hate crimes have risen by 10% in England and Wales in 2018-19. The majority of incidents, 76%, were racially motivated. 47% of all religious hate crimes were perpetrated against Muslims.
The report revealed significant spikes in racial and religious hate crimes following the EU referendum, the 2017 terrorist attacks and the Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand in March this year.
Plaid Cymru assembly member Leanne Wood is sponsoring the event. She said, “The rise of the far right and the increase in hate crimes – particularly towards Muslims – is a concerning development. The event is a good way of promoting awareness of a growing problem.”
“It also offers an opportunity for like-minded people to share strategies and solutions as to how we create a more open and tolerant society in Wales.” she added.
The hashtag for this year’s Islamophobia Awareness Month campaign is #IAMCHANGE. With a focus on collective responsibility, organisers are encouraging people to play an active role in challenging anti-Muslim prejudice.
Mariyah Zaman, Islamophobia Awareness Month coordinator at MEND, explained the aim is to get people to recognise Islamophobia as an issue for British society as a whole, not just something that British Muslim communities must deal with.
MEND is hosting a range of events in Cardiff throughout November to raise awareness of Islamophobia and shine a light on the positive contributions of British Muslims to society.
Find out more about MEND and its upcoming events.