Press Release
WASHINGTON, DC – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) joined with 14 other organizations this week to host a two-day event focused on “Preventing Genocide of Indian Muslims.” The event was designed to bring together organizations with subject matter expertise, community reach and other diverse skill sets and to enhance their coordination on the issue.
CAIR also condemned the latest incident of Islamophobia in India, in which Muslim pilgrims were detained and forced by police to humiliate themselves for merely offering daily prayers on the roadside.
“No person of conscience can look at today’s India and not fear that the genocides we witnessed recently in places like Rwanda and Myanmar may soon unfold in India,” said CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw. “We must act today, so we are not speaking in tones of regret tomorrow.”
McCaw added: “This latest incident of Islamophobia in India, in which Muslims were detained and humiliated for praying, must be condemned by the international community.”
McCaw noted that numerous international humanitarian organizations have already sounded warning bells about the direction of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
The first day featured speakers highlighting the lived experience of religious minorities in Modi’s India. A panel discussion also examined what is needed to make America act.
The second day saw advocates visiting with congressional and executive branch offices to seeking implementation of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom’s (USCIRF) longstanding recommendation that the United States designate India a country of particular concern.
The groups will continue to mutually support one another and expand the network of organizations united in preventing future atrocities in India.
The following organizations sponsored the event: American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), American Muslim Institution, American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), Center for Pluralism, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Emgage Action, Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America, Hindus for Human Rights, Genocide Watch, Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), International Society for Peace and Justice, MAS-PACE, MPower Change Action Fund, Muslim Public Affairs Council, United States Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO).
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
