Farid Shafiyev: Islamophobia poses a serious threat to global stability and unity

“The need for urgent international action to combat discrimination against Muslim communities by both the state and society—including hate crimes and the destruction of Muslim heritage sites—is becoming ever more pressing. We are witnessing an increasingly alarming rise in Islamophobia and the strengthening of state-level oppression and discriminatory activities against Muslim communities,” said Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Board of the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), in his address at the international conference themed ‘Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas’ in Baku.

He emphasized that the rise of far-right political forces in Europe is closely linked to measures perceived as restricting Islamic traditions, often framed within the context of promoting "assimilation" or "integration." National narratives are increasingly shaped by populist rhetoric that stigmatizes Muslims and equates their religious identity with extremism.

Highlighting the problem of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate crimes, Farid Shafiyev stated: “Islamophobia, therefore, poses a serious threat to global stability and cohesion, undermining international security and cooperation.”

Shafiyev also noted that today’s conference aims not only to discuss the growing threats associated with Islamophobia but also to understand its historical roots.