Islamophobic incidents in Australia ‘skyrocketed’ since Israel-Hamas battle, envoy stories

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Anti-Muslim incidents have “skyrocketed” throughout Australia for the reason that Israel-Hamas battle started practically two years in the past, the nation’s particular envoy to fight Islamophobia mentioned. The envoy, Aftab Malik, handed his first report back to the federal government on Friday.

The report’s 54 suggestions embrace a overview of counterterrorism legal guidelines and procedures to analyze potential discrimination.

Malik additionally beneficial a wide-ranging inquiry into Islamophobia to analyze its most important drivers and potential discrimination in authorities insurance policies.

“The truth is that Islamophobia in Australia has been persistent, at instances ignored and different instances denied, however by no means absolutely addressed,” Malik informed reporters.

Islamophobia had intensified for the reason that al-Qaida assaults on america on Sept. 11, 2001, and had turn into entrenched, he mentioned.

Islamophobic incidents in particular person had elevated by 150% — and by 250% on-line — since Hamas’ assault on Israel in 2023, Malik mentioned.

“Since Oct. 7, 2023, Islamophobic incidents have skyrocketed,” Malik mentioned.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned his authorities would “fastidiously think about” Malik’s suggestions.

“The concentrating on of Australians primarily based on their non secular beliefs is just not solely an assault on them, however it’s an assault on our core values,” Albanese mentioned.

“We should stamp out the hate, worry and prejudice that drives Islamophobia and division in our society,” he added.

The federal government has acknowledged steep rises in each Islamophobic and antisemitic incidents in Australia for the reason that Israeli-Hamas battle started.

Jillian Segal was appointed envoy to fight antisemitism in July 2024 and Malik started his three-year function in October.

Segal beneficial, in her first report two months in the past, that Australian universities lose authorities funding until they tackle assaults on Jewish college students, and that potential immigrants be screened for political affiliations.

In keeping with the 2021 Australian Census, 3.2% of the Australian inhabitants is Muslim.