Australian Islamophobia Envoy Proposes 54 Recommendations for Government Action

Canberra, Australia – Australia's Special Envoy to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, has submitted a comprehensive report to the Australian government, outlining 54 recommendations aimed at combating Islamophobia across various government agencies. The report, described by Malik as a "historic moment," calls for significant policy changes to ensure safety and dignity for all individuals, regardless of faith or background. The recommendations span a wide range of governmental functions and policy areas.

Among the key proposals, the report urges the Australian government to publicly identify elected politicians for Islamophobia and establish a "zero tolerance" behavioral code of conduct for all elected officials. It also recommends making training programs on Islamophobia mandatory for all police personnel and members of Parliament. A significant suggestion is the construction of a national Islamophobia database to track incidents and trends.

Furthermore, the report advocates for the formal recognition of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia on March 15th, aligning Australia with international efforts to raise awareness. It also proposes the establishment of a commission of inquiry specifically into Islamophobia, alongside a similar commission dedicated to investigating anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab racism, highlighting broader concerns within the community.

Muslim community leader Nora Amath commented on a perceived disparity in how violent acts are categorized, stating, > "If it's a young Muslim person who engages in violent acts, they are immediately deemed a terrorist; however, when a non-Muslim engages in a violent act, there are other confounding issues, whether it's mental health or other reasons." Her remarks underscore a sentiment of double standards within the community regarding public perception and media portrayal.

Aftab Malik emphasized the report's significance for the nation's identity, stating, > "a moment where we decide who we are as a country and whether we are prepared to take the necessary steps to ensure that every person in Australia, regardless of faith, ethnicity or background, is safe, valued and treated with dignity." The report follows Malik's appointment in 2023, reflecting a commitment to addressing systemic issues.

The Australian government is expected to review the recommendations, which aim to foster a more inclusive and equitable society by tackling prejudice and discrimination. The report's release initiates a crucial dialogue on the future of anti-racism and anti-discrimination policies in Australia, with potential implications for law enforcement, political conduct, and community relations.