Muslims treated negatively in many countries around world Experts at Baku-hosted conference

Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science and Sociology at the University of Salzburg Wolfgang Aschauer has said that Muslims are treated negatively in many countries of the world as he addressed the international conference "Preserving Diversity: Combating Islamophobia in 2024" held in Baku.

“Under the research, the attitude towards Muslims in each country is different: "In about 30 per cent of countries the attitude towards Muslims is negative. The role of religion in society is quite exaggerated. I believe that the younger generation will fight racism," Aschauer noted, per Report.

Meanwhile, in his remarks at the conference, Director of European Development and Research Academy (EDARA) Brahim Laytouss (Belgium) described Islamophobia as a serious problem in Europe.

“Islamophobia is becoming a serious problem in Europe, it negatively affects the lives of millions of Muslim citizens of European countries,” Laytouss said.

Lightouss noted that the fight against this phenomenon requires a multifaceted approach. "The fight presupposes active participation of Muslims, as well as a correct approach to the relationship between rights and responsibilities," he noted, adding that European Muslims should properly use their rights to protect themselves from aggression caused by Islamophobia.

Islamophobia is affecting Muslims in Europe in various forms, he said. "If we do not pay attention to anti-Muslim populist rhetoric, find its origins, we will not be able to analyze the current situation and put an end to Islamophobia forever," he said.

In his remarks, Director of Pakistan's Center for Political Studies, political analyst Ahsan Hamid Durrani said that Muslims are perceived as a potential threat in Europe.

“Muslims are perceived as a potential threat in many European countries,” Durrani noted.

The Pakistani participant hailed the fact that national minorities in Azerbaijan live in peace and well-being.

"Europe could take an example from Azerbaijan. Today, the factor of cultural tension is widespread in Europe. In addition, harsh measures are taken against Muslim communities. Muslims are subjected to discrimination".

According to the expert, Western media is characterized by a biased approach in this issue.

"For example, center-right politicians make biased statements about Muslims, and local media widely cover it. European legislation also targets Muslims. Many mosques have closed, and extremism is also on the rise amid these tensions," he added.