COLOMBO
“ In the current geopolitical context, hate crimes, hate speech, and threats to civil liberties and freedom
of peaceful assembly have multiplied worldwide. Muslim and Jewish communities have become targets of physical and verbal attacks. They feel more and more unsafe and threatened, online and offline. No
one should be subject to racism, violence, silencing or retaliation because of religion, ethnic origin,
gender or nationality. International organizations have recognized that discrimination and hatred of
Muslims following terrorist attacks can rise to epidemic proportions. We are deeply concerned with
such developments and express solidarity with our fellow Muslim citizens.
Building on the recent statement of our peers Special Envoys and Coordinators Combating
Antisemitism on 7 November, we collectively denounce all forms of bias, discrimination, and hatred
against Muslims and those perceived to be belonging to this group, including members of Arab or
Palestinian Christian groups, Sikhs, as well as other racial or religious minorities. Antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred are equally reprehensible. We strongly condemn all forms of discrimination and
racism, which directly threaten our democracy and freedoms and have no place in our societies. Such phenomena, if not addressed, can threaten social cohesion within our societies and can expose
vulnerable communities to further harms.
Therefore, together:• We support the action of the national authorities of our countries and member states to fight
racism and discrimination and call on them spare no effort to ensure the safety of Muslim
communities, whether it is in places of worship, workplaces, schools, or their homes.• We urge the public safety and law enforcement agencies to remain alert to incidents of hate
crimes and hate motivated violence against Muslims and to implement relevant international and national norms.
• We encourage governments, local authorities, representatives of civil society, religious leaders and all actors to continue to work together to protect democratic rights and civil liberties for all
to ensure social unity and peaceful coexistence in our diverse and pluralistic societies.”
We welcome and encourage initiatives of citizens, civil society, religious leaders, cities and governmental institutions to promote mutual respect, peace, dialogue and understanding. The way
forward is through respectful dialogue underpinned by our shared democratic values and respect for
human rights. We must stand up for our shared values of human rights and inclusion for all.”
