Why we are established and why its needed
About Us
Who Are We?
Action Against Islamophobia (AAI) is a grassroots, community-led initiative with a mission to empower Muslims to take action against Islamophobic incidents. We address structural and systemic anti-Muslim, anti-Palestinian, and anti-Arab racism, while providing support to individuals and communities affected by anti-Muslim hate.
Our mission is rooted in three core pillars: Justice Seeking, Empowerment, and Advocacy. These pillars guide our actions and define our approach to addressing and combating Islamophobia, while also raising awareness about the harmful impacts of violence, discrimination, and prejudice on Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim, recognising the structural consequences of racism and marginalisation for the community.
Through this initiative, we provide resources and support services to combat Islamophobia in all its manifestations within Australian society..
Islamophobia is a form of racism that specifically targets Muslims or those perceived to be connected to Islam or the Muslim community. It manifests in various ways, from overt acts of violence to subtle forms of discrimination. This prejudice not only seeks to marginalise and silence Muslims but also denies them their rights, equal opportunities, and freedom of movement in society.
In Australia, Islam is often viewed through a racial lens, shaping public discourse and influencing how people perceive the religion. This racialisation isn't limited to media or political narratives; it seeps into everyday life. Individuals, knowingly or unknowingly, carry these racialised perceptions into their daily interactions with Muslims, reinforcing stereotypes and deepening the divide. Whether in casual conversations, workplace settings, or social gatherings, the way Islam is discussed and perceived reflects a broader societal tendency to associate the religion with race, adding layers of prejudice to what should be a matter of faith and religious identity.
Beyond Australia, Islamophobia operates at a global level. It is linked to the interests of powerful states and foreign occupation as well as the international media. It reflects and reinforces wider political discourse, which negatively labels and stereotypes Muslim communities as a global ‘problem’.
An Islamophobic incident is any act, behaviour, or expression targeting individuals, institutions, or property because of their Islamic identity, perceived “Muslimness”, or association with Muslims or Islam, which is motivated by hatred, prejudice, or hostility. Islamophobia as a form of interpersonal racism is made possible by the institutionalisation of Western structures and political interests that create and reinforce a discourse about the ‘other’. Consequently, the racial targeting of Muslim communities, ethnicities and belief systems is normalised and accepted within society.
Examples of reportable Islamophobic incidents:
Vandalism: A mosque is defaced with graffiti and slogans such as "Muslims OUT!”. This would qualify as a hate crime due to the targeting of the Muslim community with malicious intent.
Verbal Assault: A person yells "dirty Muslim terrorist" at a Muslim person on the street. While this might not result in criminal charges, it could be reported as a hate incident.
Cyber Threats: A Muslim individual receives online threats, such as "All Muslims deserve to die and we’ll make sure we finish what was started in the middle-east." This constitutes an anti-Muslim hate incident that could potentially escalate into criminal charges.
Anti-Palestinian racism: A hijabi student wearing the Palestinian flag at an Australian university campus is singled out by security staff and threatened with suspension for protesting the genocide in Gaza. Police are then called in and the student is escorted off campus.
Reporting incidents of Islamophobia not only helps the victim seek justice, but it also raises awareness about the prevalence and severity of such incidents. Additionally, it aids in the collection of accurate data, which is essential for informing policy decisions and developing effective strategies to address anti-Muslim, anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian racism.
Most importantly, reporting can deter potential perpetrators if they know that their actions will not go unnoticed or unpunished. It’s important to remember that everyone has a right to live free from fear and discrimination. By knowing how to report Islamophobia, Muslims can take an active role in protecting their rights and seeking justice.
When an incident is reported, a case manager reviews the incident for completeness and level of urgency. If additional information or verification is needed, AAI will contact you with recommended actions and, if necessary, provide referrals for legal or mental health support services. If the incident is reported as a hate crime or hate incident, further support can be provided to escalate the case to the relevant authorities.
Empowerment through education: Educating Muslims about their civic-political rights and the problem of Islamophobia, where to go to seek help and support, having a dedicated phone line for people to access that support. Enhancing the reporting tools and access to resources.
Promote justice-seeking behaviour: We want to see more convictions for anti-Muslim hate crimes and incidents. We want every Muslim and the bystanders who witness or experience anti-Muslim/anti-Palestinian hate to know how to seek justice and hold perpetrators to account.
Advocacy: Advocating against Islamophobia is crucial for promoting inclusion, equality, and respect for Muslim communities in Australia. This initiative aims to challenge harmful stereotypes, discrimination, and hate crimes that marginalise individuals based on their faith. Advocacy also ensures that Muslim voices are heard in shaping policies that protect their rights to religious freedom and well-being.