Experts told a panel at the United Nations Human Rights Council this week that efforts to combat Islamophobia in Europe are being undermined by a lack of clear political recognition, with responsibility falling more on political leaders than on society at large.
The French-based civil society organization COJEP International said European leaders are failing to fully acknowledge the scale and nature of discrimination against Muslims. Instead of using the term “Islamophobia,” the group noted, many officials prefer phrases such as “anti-Muslim hate,” which it argues downplay the seriousness of the issue.
“What we are facing is racism against Muslims,” Professor Enes Bayraklı said, emphasizing that clear and direct language is essential for effective policymaking.
The panel noted that while some progress has been made — including the United Nations’ designation of March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia — concrete action across Europe remains limited.
Bayraklı warned that without political acknowledgment of the problem, efforts to address Islamophobia will continue to fall short.
“Recognition is the first step,” he said. “Without it, there can be no effective national strategies or lasting solutions.”
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