Media Statement: Standing Against Islamophobia in Healthcare
On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, we reflect on the words of Allah in Surah Hujurat, verse 13:
“O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes so that you may get to know one another.”
This profound message underscores the beauty of diversity and the importance of mutual respect and understanding.
Islamophobia, as defined by the United Nations, is the fear, prejudice, and hatred against Muslims. It manifests in various ways, including systemic discrimination, targeted harassment, and suppression of advocacy.
Australia is a party to seven core international human rights treaties. The right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief is enshrined in Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). However, Muslim healthcare workers (HCWs) in Australia continue to face increasing challenges, particularly in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine.
Challenges Faced by Muslim Healthcare Workers:
Doxxing and online harassment – Personal information is being disseminated to incite harm, intimidation, and reputational damage.
Vexatious reports to the Medical Board – Bad-faith complaints are being weaponized against Muslim HCWs, leading to unnecessary investigations designed to silence them.
Unfair media targeting and biased reporting – Muslim HCWs are disproportionately singled out, with their religious identity often emphasized in a way that fosters public distrust.
Banning of political symbols in healthcare settings – A directive by the Victorian Health Minister risks silencing legitimate expressions of identity and advocacy for justice.
We urge government bodies, media organisations, and healthcare institutions to:
- Implement stricter measures against workplace doxxing and harassment.
- Establish safeguards to prevent vexatious complaints from being used as a tool of intimidation.
- Hold media outlets accountable for biased reporting that fuels Islamophobia.
- Ensure fair and consistent workplace policies on political symbols, without disproportionately impacting Muslim HCWs.
On this important day, we reaffirm our commitment to justice, inclusivity, and fairness in healthcare. Our Muslim colleagues play a vital role in the health and well-being of our nation. They deserve a workplace free from discrimination, where their contributions are valued and their voices heard—without fear, prejudice, or bias.
Australian Islamic Medical Association – For further enquiries, please reach out to us at admin@aima.org.au.
