Partnership issues landmark statement against Islamophobia

As part of its approach to tackle all forms of discrimination and hate crime experienced by colleagues and members of the diverse communities it serves, the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership (WY&H HCP) has issued a statement committing itself to tackling Islamophobia.

In the rise of growing anti-Muslim sentiment, WY&H HCP has been running a ‘Positive about Islam and Muslims’ campaign throughout November during Islamophobia Awareness Month. Latest national figures show that there has been an increase in attacks on Muslims both physically and online, particularly through social media.

The Partnership is also looking to raise people’s understanding by debunking some of the myths, misconceptions and stereotypes around Islam and those that follow the faith as well as highlighting issues faced by followers of other faiths too. 

Fatima Khan-Shah, WY&H HCP Programme Director for Personalised Care and Unpaid Carers said: “As a Muslim woman whose faith plays an important role in my values, I know how the misconceptions about Islam have impacted  my life and that of others who follow the faith. I have seen regular posts on social media that are at best misguided and at worst sickening and deeply concerning. The campaign and our statement highlight the significant positive impact Muslim colleagues and communities have made both historically and to modern society that often is overlooked. WY&H HCP prides itself on being one that is welcoming to all. It also builds on the BAME review report published in October which will be discussed by our Partnership Board held in Public in December.”

The statement pledges to:

• raise awareness of Islamophobia learning from lived experience
• ensure our partners and our workforce recognise Islamophobia and know how to challenge this
• encourage people to report incidents of hate crime
• celebrate and recognise the achievements of Muslims from colleagues, communities and voluntary sector organisations
• foster an improved understanding of Islam across our communities
• actively listening to concerns raised by members of the Muslim community and addressing these; and consider the impact of our policies and programmes on all our communities through Equality Impact Assessments.

Throughout Islamophobia Awareness Month, WY&H HCP is posting facts about Islam and Muslims on its Twitter account @WYHPartnership. More information on its campaign and statement can be found by visiting: https://www.wypartnership.co.uk/about/positive-about-islam