#IslamophobiaAwarenessMonth’s theme this year is #TimeForChange.
Islamophobia, like anti-Semitism, often manifests as racist hate crime or as hurtful disrespect to individuals and groups.
Cricketer Azeem Rafiq has given harrowing testimony of the racism and Islamophobia he has faced in cricket, including targeted abuse and intolerance.
Hear Azeem’s resounding words: “We ask for equality and respect".
What was allowed to go on at Yorkshire County Cricket Club reminds us all why we must tackle Islamophobia head-on.
Intolerance comes in many ways. The South Asian Muslim Conservative member standing at an upcoming by-election in Worthing has been wrongly described by a leftist as ‘a token minority', 'brainwashed' and so on as well as being harassed at his workplace by local so-called 'anti-racist campaigners'.
There is no place for hatred or intolerance in our society, whether from right, left or centre. We should be united, not divided, in standing up to racism and islamophobia. It is a great shame when some individuals choose to politicise such a campaign.
I work with The Muslim Council of Britain, just as I participate in the all-party group for British Jews and align with Amnesty International.
I have campaigned with this united approach for decades, including over the tragic murder of Stephen Lawrence to the release of peaceful youth activists in Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. This most recent work followed my involvement with the human rights work of the charity Reprieve.
Let us stand together and ensure that now truly is the #TimeForChange.
