After recording several attacks targeting Muslim communities, Canada appointed this Thursday, January 26, 2023, its very first adviser in charge of the fight against Islamophobia.
Indeed, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Thursday the appointment of journalist and activist Amira Elghawaby as Canada’s first special representative in charge of the fight against Islamophobia.
“Islamophobia, discrimination and hatred in all their forms are unacceptable and have no place in our country (Canada). The Government of Canada stands with Muslim communities across the country and reaffirms its commitment to take action to expose and combat Islamophobia, hate-motivated violence and systemic discrimination, wherever and whenever it occurs.” , said a statement from the Canadian Prime Minister.
Islamophobia and discrimination are unacceptable. Period. Today, we’re appointing @AmiraElghawaby as Canada’s first Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia to help end this hate – and to build a better future for everyone. More here: https://t.co/revaJmTvAa
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 26, 2023
Canada: who is Amira Elghawaby?
According to the same statement, “Amira Elghawaby is an award-winning journalist and human rights activist.” Indeed, she is “a founding member of the board of directors of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network and a former member of the board of directors of the Silk Road Institute, she has had a long career supporting initiatives aimed at countering hate and promoting inclusion”.
“She currently leads strategic communications and campaigns for the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and is a member of the National Security Transparency Advisory Group,” underlined the communiqué of the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau.
Following her appointment as Canada’s Special Representative for the Fight against Islamophobia, “Amira Elghawaby will act as a spokesperson, adviser, expert and representative to support and improve the government’s efforts federal government in the fight against Islamophobia, systemic racism, racial discrimination and religious intolerance”.
Thus, “it will promote awareness of the diverse and intersectional identities of Muslims in Canada and advise the government in the development of inclusive policies, legislative proposals, programs and regulations that reflect their realities”. This is in order “to promote respect for equity, inclusion and diversity, in addition to highlighting the vast contributions that Muslim people make to the national fabric of our country”.
“Islamophobia is a lived experience of Muslim communities in our country, and it demands constant action. The Government of Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to fight hatred, racism and discrimination. Together, we can build a better future for all,” concluded the same press release.
thanks to @HonAhmedHussen, his team and the Government of Canada for making this position a reality in order to foster greater diversity and inclusion across the country. 1/6
— Amira Elghawaby (@AmiraElghawaby) January 26, 2023
