Arab League Marks International Day Against Hate Speech, Announces Conference on Combating Islamophobia

The League of Arab States marked the International Day for Countering Hate Speech on Thursday by reaffirming the need for greater international cooperation to combat discrimination, promote tolerance, and address the growing spread of hate speech, particularly across digital platforms and social media.

In a statement issued on the occasion, observed annually on June 18 following a 2021 United Nations General Assembly resolution, the Arab League announced the launch of the Second Conference on Combating Discrimination Against Islam and Muslims. The event, organized by the League’s Department of Culture and Dialogue of Civilizations in cooperation with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), will be held at the League’s headquarters in Cairo on Aug. 3-4.

Held under the theme “Muslim Communities in the West and Their Role in Confronting Islamophobia,” the conference will examine the role of religious institutions and Islamic centers in promoting moderate religious discourse, as well as national, regional, and international best practices for combating hate speech and discrimination.

Participants will also discuss the role of educational institutions in fostering respect for diversity, the contribution of civil society organizations in addressing anti-Muslim discrimination, and strategies for empowering young people to promote mutual understanding and acceptance.

On the sidelines of the conference, the first meeting of a permanent multi-stakeholder institutional platform dedicated to combating discrimination against Islam and Muslims is scheduled to take place.

The Arab League said countering hate speech is a shared responsibility that requires coordinated national, regional, and international efforts. It stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of intolerance, strengthening partnerships among governments, educational and cultural institutions, media organizations, and civil society groups, and promoting dialogue and respect for differences.

The organization also reiterated its commitment to advancing the values of mutual respect, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, describing them as essential foundations for building secure and cohesive societies capable of addressing common challenges and preserving social harmony.