Haringey Council Backs Islamophobia Awareness Month
Haringey Council has officially launched its support for Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM), which commenced on November 1, 2025. The initiative aligns with a broader national campaign to challenge prejudice and promote understanding of Muslim communities across the United Kingdom.
Cllr Ajda Ovat, Haringey Council's Cabinet Member for Communities, emphasized the council's firm stance, stating, 'As a council, our message is really clear and simple – we will not accept Islamophobia or any hate crime in any of its forms. There is zero tolerance to any form of hate crime and zero tolerance to any form of racism.' The council engages regularly with its Muslim communities through the Haringey Multi-Faith Forum and local leaders. Cllr Peray Ahmet, Leader of Haringey Council, also reiterated the borough's commitment to a zero-tolerance approach to Islamophobia.
Understanding Islamophobia Awareness Month
Islamophobia Awareness Month is an annual campaign held every November, co-founded in 2012 by a coalition of Muslim organizations, including Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND). Its core objectives are to raise awareness about Islamophobia, dismantle stereotypes, highlight the positive contributions of Muslims to British society, and encourage dialogue and respect.
The theme for IAM 2025 is 'Flip the Script' (also referred to as 'Flip the Switch'), which encourages challenging misrepresentations of Muslims and reframing narratives through education, allyship, and collaboration. The month provides a crucial platform for local councils, police, universities, and community groups to work together in tackling anti-Muslim prejudice.
Alarming Rise in Islamophobia Across the UK
The launch of IAM 2025 takes place against a backdrop of escalating Islamophobia across the UK. Recent data indicates a significant increase in anti-Muslim hate incidents. The Islamophobia Response Unit (IRU) reported a 236% increase in reported Islamophobia cases between January and April 2024, with incidents rising by 300%. The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) noted a 73% surge in Islamophobic assaults in 2024.
Home Office figures for the 12 months ending March 2025 revealed a 19% rise in religious hate crimes targeting Muslims in England and Wales, increasing from 2,690 to 3,199 offences. A notable spike in these incidents occurred in August 2024, following the Southport murders and subsequent unrest. Muslims continue to be the most disproportionately affected religious group by religiously motivated hate crime. Furthermore, 42% of mosques have experienced a religiously motivated attack in the last three years, and over 70% of young Muslims struggling with mental health issues report being victims of Islamophobia. This concerning trend is reportedly fueled by social media, inflammatory anti-migration rhetoric, and geopolitical events.
5 Comments
Manolo Noriega
This 'zero tolerance' often leads to shutting down legitimate criticism, not just hate.
Fuerza
The statistics are chilling. We need more initiatives like this across the UK.
Manolo Noriega
The rise in religious hate crime is deeply concerning, and Haringey's initiative is a positive step. But true understanding requires addressing root causes of division, not just focusing on symptoms, and ensuring community integration is a two-way street.
Ongania
The council's zero-tolerance stance against hate crime is commendable. However, effective solutions must go beyond awareness months and involve practical, long-term educational programs that foster mutual respect across all diverse communities, not just one.
Fuerza
Combating Islamophobia is essential, especially with the reported increase in incidents. Yet, it's equally important that councils promote a cohesive society where all faiths and none feel equally protected, without creating a hierarchy of victimhood.