Anti-Islamophobia campaign breaks in Ontario
By Adnews Staff
A group of national and provincial organizations has begun an awareness campaign that encourages residents of Ontario to reject Islamophobia and other forms of racism. The group consists of the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants, the Canadian Arab Institute, the National Council of Canadian Muslims and the Ontario Human Rights Commission.
Developed by Mass Minority of Toronto, includes public service announcements and social media activities. One 30-second execution depicts neighbours helping a family clean the painted words "Muslims go home" from the garage door of a family. A second execution depicts one student intervening with another student who is telling racist jokes. The campaign uses the tagline, "Break the Behaviour." It includes a website at <http://www.breakthebehaviour.ca> at which visitors can sign a pledge to reject racism.
"Human rights systems play a key role in holding institutions and individuals accountable for discrimination," said OHRC chief commissioner Renu Mandhane. "But to create a culture of human rights, we need to empower individuals to challenge racism and Islamophobia in the moment. This campaign does just that. It encourages us all to see ourselves as human rights accountability agents."