A working definition of Islamophobia: written evidence submission prepared for the United Nations Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance

Drawing on our research and empirical findings from qualitative interviews and focus groups with both Muslim and non-Muslims, in the UK, we believe that a new working definition of Islamophobia is much needed. Our findings show that for those that have experienced Islamophobic hate crime because of the intersections between gender, race/ethnicity, appearance and space are often ignored within the criminal justice system. From being verbally and physically attacked, threatened and harassed as well as their property being damaged individuals have experienced a spate of online and offline hatred. These incidents usually happen in public spaces, on trains, buses, shopping centres as well as workplace – often when other people were there yet did not intervene. Attacks against participants also take place near mosques or areas with high population of Muslims. The impacts upon victims included physical, emotional, psychological, and economic damage. These experiences are also damaging to community cohesion and lead to a polarisation between different communities. Our recommendations for a new working definition of Islamophobia are based on participants’ views and opinions for tackling this problem and the need for policy-makers to be better informed about how to deal with the problem. We make the case that the new Hate Crime Action Plan, which has incorporated ideas around intervention, should also include our working definition of Islamophobia as a means to provide better services