Azerbaijani expert reads out joint communiqué adopted at conference on Islamophobia in Baku

The international scientific conference titled “Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas” in Azerbaijan's capital Baku has concluded with the adoption of a Joint Communiqué aimed at addressing key challenges related to Islamophobia worldwide. 

Chairman of the Azerbaijani Centre of Analysis of International Relations Farid Shafiyev presented the document during the closing session, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

The two-day conference brought together experts, scholars, and activists to discuss the pervasive issue of Islamophobia, with particular emphasis on gender-related challenges.

Participants highlighted the entrenched prejudices faced by Muslim women, including discrimination within academic institutions, which often remains overlooked in broader discussions on the subject.

The communiqué called for the urgent inclusion of these gender-specific concerns in global peace and security agendas. It also urged governments and international organizations to support the expansion of women’s freedoms and to promote social programs that empower Muslim women and combat systemic biases.

The two-day international conference marked the 3rd anniversary of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. The event was co-organised by the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre, the Centre of Analysis of International Relations, and the Baku Initiative Group. 

Among the conference’s international partners were the G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID), the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCF), the Council of Muslim Elders, the Central Council of Muslims of Germany, the European Muslim Leaders’ Assembly (EULEMA), and the International Muslim Forum.

The main aim of the event was to establish an academic platform for discussing the growing global and national trends targeting Muslims and Muslim-majority countries. Scholars from nearly 40 countries, experts from international organisations, religious leaders, and representatives of non-governmental organisations participated in the conference. 

The conference featured discussions on the Global Trends in Islamophobia: Challenges and Responses, Anti-Muslim Hatred in Politics: Legal Frameworks and Advocacy Strategies, Islamophobia in Different Contexts: Regional Perspectives, Islamophobia in Media and Digital Platforms: How Artificial Intelligence Systems Can Spread and Reinforce Islamophobic Bias, Women, Identity and Stereotypes: Navigating the Intersection of Religious and Cultural Prejudices, Institutionalization of Anti-Muslim Legislation in Europe: Rhetoric in the Context of Radicalization of Islamophobic Propaganda, Preserving Islamic Cultural Heritage in a Changing World and Youth Call for Inclusion: Combating Bias and Misconceptions.

By Naila Huseynova