Ihsanoglu calls for efforts to combat Islamophobia

Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the Secretary General of the Jeddah-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), has stressed the need for enhancing international cooperation to bear its fruit in combating discrimination and fostering equal chances within societies and among peoples. In his speech at the opening ceremony of the International Conference on Islamophobia held in Istanbul, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu stressed the need for a proper gathering and analyzing of information on new trends and manifestation of discrimination for Islamophobia to be effectively combated. Furthermore, he said that the international community needs to strengthen and rationalize its numerous expertise mechanisms concerning these issues with a view to better interpreting and implementing the already existing international obligations. Ihsanoglu said that this phenomenon, which is one of the most challenging issues facing the international community, is a threat and poses danger to global peace and security, and called upon the international community to develop a culture of peace and harmony among different cultures, civilizations and faiths.