France proposed hijab ban in sports would violate human rights and target Muslim women and girls: Amnesty International
New Age Islam News Bureau
19 February 2025
· France proposed hijab ban in sports would violate human rights and target Muslim women and girls: Amnesty International
· Telangana: 15-year-old Aliya Begum killed while defending her father from mob lynching
· Australian PM condemns ‘reprehensible’ attack on 2 Muslim women at Melbourne shopping centre
· CAIR Calls for Rejection of France’s Proposed Ban on Hijab, Other Religious Attire in Sports
· Two Afghan activists will be awarded international women’s Rights Prize at 17th Geneva Conference
· Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese condemns alleged attack on Muslim women
· UNAMA: Restrictions on women in Afghanistan have long-term consequences
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/france-hijab-ban-human-rights-muslim-women/d/134667
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France proposed hijab ban in sports would violate human rights and target Muslim women and girls: Amnesty International
FEBRUARY 18, 2025
Amnesty International on Tuesday criticized a proposed French bill that seeks to ban “ostensibly religious” clothing and symbols in all sports competitions, arguing it would violate human rights and disproportionately target Muslim women and girls. The French Senate is set to debate and vote on the bill, which would extend existing restrictions to all sports federations, professional leagues, and affiliated associations.
The organization contends that, under the guise of secularism, such laws effectively marginalize Muslim women and girls by excluding them from participating in sports if they choose to wear the hijab or other religious attire. This move follows France’s previous ban on headscarves for its athletes during the Paris 2024 Olympics, a decision that drew international criticism.
Critics argue that there is no objective justification for policies that severely limit the freedoms of Muslim female athletes who choose to wear religious headgear. Amnesty International has previously warned that the proposed ban follows a broader pattern of systemic discrimination against Muslim women in France.
In a 2024 report titled “France: Systematic Discrimination and Restrictions on Muslim Women and Girls,” Amnesty International documented how existing restrictions on religious attire in schools, workplaces, and public spaces disproportionately impact Muslim women and girls, limiting their rights and deepening social exclusion. The report criticized France’s policies as discriminatory and inconsistent with international human rights obligations. Amnesty argues that the latest attempt to extend these restrictions to all sports only reinforces this pattern, further marginalizing Muslim women under the guise of secularism.
Amnesty International calls on French lawmakers to reject the bill, asserting that it perpetuates discrimination and undermines the principles of inclusivity and equality in sports.
In October 2024, the UN labeled France’s hijab bans as “disproportionate and discriminatory,” urging their reversal. Despite these admonitions, French authorities are now attempting to broaden these restrictions through the current bill. The proposed legislation also seeks to ban prayers in sports facilities and mandates administrative investigations for sports educators before issuing professional credentials.
Source:jurist.org
https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/02/france-proposed-hijab-ban-in-sports-marginalize-muslim-women-and-girls-amnesty-international/
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Telangana: 15-year old Aliya Begum killed while defending her father from mob lynching
February 18, 2025
Telangana‘s 15-Year-Old Muslim Girl Killed While Protecting Her Father from Mob Lynching.
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In a tragic incident, a 15-year old Muslim girl named Aliya Begum succumbed to her injuries after she bravely tried to protect her father from a mob attack on February 11 in Telangana‘s Antharam village of Zaheerabad.
Mohammad Ismail, the father of the girl was attacked by a group of at least 40 men when he was caught urinating near homes belonging to individuals – Veera Reddy and Vijay Reddy. Upon seeing her father being attacked, Aliya quickly ran to rescue him but was attacked by stones.
She fought against her injuries for three days but couldn’t make it – she passed away on February 15.
The tragic incident has left the entire village deeply appalled with many demanding stricter and immediate action against the accused.
MLA Kausar Mohiuddin who visited the bereaved family alleged that this brutal attack was not just on Aliya and her father but on the entire Muslim community.
Amjadullah Khan from the Majlis Bachao Tehreek said, “We need a judicial inquiry by a High Court judge, all accused should be arrested and 25 lakh should be given to the family as compensation with a government job and a home under the Indiramma Housing Scheme.”
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15ynKyEBJo/
Meanwhile, police have registered a case against the Reddy brothers including other individuals after All India Milli Council members including Adv. Afsar Jahan, Adv. Sujaath and others met the Superintendent of Police in Sangareddy. The legal team has also met with Public Prosecutor Lateef ur Rahman to ensure the accused are not released on bail.
Several social media users expressed their grievance and questioned the safety of Muslims in the country. Many users noted that such attacks on Muslims have become increasingly common in recent times.
Source:muslimmirror.com
https://muslimmirror.com/telangana-15-year-old-aliya-begum-killed-while-defending-her-father-from-mob-lynching/
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Australian PM condemns ‘reprehensible’ attack on 2 Muslim women at Melbourne shopping centre
FEB 19, 202
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Feb 19 condemned a “reprehensible” assault on two Muslim women at a shopping centre, rejecting criticism that Islamophobia was treated less seriously than anti-Semitism.
The country’s Islamic community, joined by Test cricketer Usman Khawaja, have pointed to the Feb 13 incident in Melbourne as an example of the insufficient government response to threats against Muslims.
Asked if the government would have reacted more swiftly if the incident had been anti-Semitic, Mr Albanese told journalists that an attack on anyone because of their faith was “reprehensible”.
“I take all attacks on people on the basis of their faith seriously, and they should all face the full force of the law.”
Mr Albanese faced criticism earlier this week for not condemning the attack sooner.
Australian leaders have been vocal in condemning a series of anti-Semitic incidents over recent months. In these incidents, vandals torched a Sydney childcare centre, firebombed a Melbourne synagogue and scrawled anti-Semitic graffiti in Jewish neighbourhoods.
But on Feb 17, the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils said it was alarmed by a trend of attacks against Muslim people.
The response “remains grossly insufficient”, federation president Rateb Jneid said in a statement.
“When compared to the swift and significant attention given to less severe incidents affecting other communities, the disparity in response is not only apparent but also unacceptable.”
The country’s anti-Islamophobia envoy, Mr Aftab Malik, on Feb 18 called for Australian leaders to condemn the attack and invest in making Muslims feel safe.
“All forms of hate need to stop,” he later told Australian broadcaster ABC.
Mr Khawaja posted on social media on Feb 18 that such attacks on the Islamic community were being “swept under the rug”.
On Feb 19, however, he welcomed Mr Albanese and the country’s opposition leader “speaking up” on the matter.
Victoria Police said on Feb 19 that a female suspect would appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court over the alleged assault.
The two Muslim women – a 30-year-old and a 26-year-old – allegedly sustained non-life-threatening injuries. AFP
Source:straitstimes.com
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/australianz/australian-pm-condemns-alleged-attack-on-muslim-women
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CAIR Calls for Rejection of France’s Proposed Ban on Hijab, Other Religious Attire in Sports
February 18, 2025
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on French lawmakers to reject proposed legislation that would ban the wearing of religiously-mandated attire in sports.
French lawmakers are debating a ban on “ostensibly religious” clothing and symbols in French sporting competitions. If passed, the ban would prevent the wearing of the Islamic headscarf, or hijab, the Jewish yarmulke, and other religious articles. Amnesty International has also called on French lawmakers to reject the ban.
“Religious freedom is a fundamental human right that must be respected in all segments of society, including sports,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “We urge French lawmakers to reject this discriminatory and Islamophobic proposal.”
He noted that CAIR previously opposed efforts to ban the hijab and other religious clothing in France and that March 15 is the UN-recognized International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
Source:cair.com
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-calls-for-rejection-of-frances-proposed-ban-on-hijab-other-religious-attire-in-sports/
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Two Afghan activists will be awarded International women’s Rights Prize at 17th Geneva Conference
By Fidel Rahmati
February 19, 2025
The 2025 International Women’s Rights Award will be presented to Massouda Jalal and Hasna Jalal, two Afghan political activists, at the 17th Geneva Conference on Human Rights and Democracy. Massouda Jalal expressed her commitment to continuing her fight for the rights of Afghanistan’s women and girls.
The 17th Geneva Conference on Human Rights and Democracy began on Tuesday, February 17, in Switzerland, with a speech by Hillel Neuer, the representative of UN Watch. The conference focuses on human rights violations in various countries, particularly Afghanistan, Iran, and Russia.
At this conference, Massouda Jalal and her daughter Hasna Jalal will receive the International Women’s Rights Award. Massouda Jalal stated, “This award is for all Afghanistan’s women fighters.”
She emphasized, “Leaving Afghanistan does not mean surrendering.” She further added that she would continue her battle for women’s rights.
Massouda Jalal and Hasna Jalal have been working for women’s rights in Afghanistan for years, facing numerous challenges along the way. With courage and determination, they have always been the voice of women, striving to improve their situation.
Over a hundred human rights activists are attending this conference, where they will discuss and exchange views on various human rights issues. Massouda Jalal and Hasna Jalal’s speeches at the event will provide them with a valuable opportunity to share their perspectives and experiences with other participants, emphasizing the importance of supporting women’s rights in Afghanistan.
Two Courage Awards will also be presented during the conference to the elected president of Venezuela and the leader of the opposition in the country.
The award ceremony highlights the resilience of Afghanistan’s women activists, particularly in the face of ongoing challenges. It serves as a reminder of the importance of global recognition and support for human rights defenders, especially in conflict-ridden regions like Afghanistan.
The 17th Geneva Conference serves as a platform for addressing pressing human rights issues worldwide, fostering important dialogue between nations and human rights advocates to work towards lasting change and justice.
Source:khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/two-afghan-activists-will-be-awarded-international-womens-rights-prize-at-17th-geneva-conference/
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Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese condemns alleged attack on Muslim women
19 February ,2025
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday condemned a “reprehensible” assault on two Muslim women at a shopping center, rejecting criticism that Islamophia was treated less seriously than anti-Semitism.
The country’s Islamic community, joined by Test cricketer Usman Khawaja, have pointed to the February 13 incident in Melbourne as an example of the insufficient government response to threats against Muslims.
Asked if the government would have reacted more swiftly if the incident had been anti-Semitic, Albanese told journalists that an attack on anyone because of their faith was “reprehensible.”
“I take all attacks on people on the basis of their faith seriously, and they should all face the full force of the law.”
Albanese faced criticism earlier this week for not condemning the attack sooner.
Australian leaders have been vocal in condemning a series of anti-Semitic incidents over recent months in which vandals have torched a Sydney childcare center, firebombed a Melbourne synagogue and scrawled anti-Semitic graffiti in Jewish neighborhoods.
But on Monday, the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils said it was alarmed by a trend of attacks against Muslim people.
The response “remains grossly insufficient,” federation president Rateb Jneid said in a statement.
“When compared to the swift and significant attention given to less severe incidents affecting other communities, the disparity in response is not only apparent but also unacceptable.”
The country’s anti-Islamophobia envoy, Aftab Malik, called Tuesday for Australian leaders to condemn the attack and invest in making Muslims feel safe.
“All forms of hate need to stop,” he later told Australian broadcaster ABC.
Khawaja posted on social media Tuesday that such attacks on the Islamic community were being “swept under the rug.”
On Wednesday, however, he welcomed Albanese and the country’s opposition leader “speaking up” on the matter.
Victoria Police said Wednesday a female suspect would appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court over the alleged assault.
Two Muslim women -- a 30-year-old and a 26-year-old -- allegedly sustained non life-threatening injuries.
Source:alarabiya.net
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2025/02/19/australia-s-pm-anthony-albanese-condemns-alleged-attack-on-muslim-women-
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UNAMA: Restrictions on women in Afghanistan have long-term consequences
By Fidel Rahmati
February 18, 2025
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has stated that the Taliban’s restrictions on women have caused long-term harm to Afghanistan’s society. The organization emphasized the urgent need to address these issues.
On Tuesday, February 18, UNAMA shared an image of Roza Otunbayeva, its head, at a meeting organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The office stressed that more constructive discussions are needed regarding the situation of Afghanistan’s women.
UNAMA highlighted that restrictions on education, employment, and healthcare access have had severe long-term consequences for Afghanistan. These limitations continue to impact women’s lives and the country’s overall development.
The organization further stated that meaningful participation of women in these key areas is urgently needed. Excluding women from these sectors prevents social and economic progress and deepens the humanitarian crisis.
The Taliban have banned Afghanistan’s women and girls from education, employment, and basic freedoms, severely limiting their rights and opportunities. These restrictions have drawn strong criticism from the international community.
Despite global condemnation, the Taliban’s increasing restrictions on women have not stopped. International pressure has so far failed to reverse these policies, leaving women with limited opportunities and uncertain futures.
The continued suppression of women’s rights in Afghanistan has isolated the country diplomatically and economically. Many nations and organizations refuse to fully engage with the Taliban regime until significant policy changes occur.
As the world calls for reforms, Afghanistan’s women remain at the center of a human rights crisis. Without urgent intervention, the long-term damage caused by these restrictions may hinder Afghanistan’s development for generations.
Source:khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/unama-restrictions-on-women-in-afghanistan-have-long-term-consequences/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/france-hijab-ban-human-rights-muslim-women/d/134667