IN-PERSON London. Section B

Abstract

Over the last two years, the Irish state has implemented various initiatives designed to combat anti-Muslim hatred inter alia; including the development of hate crime legislation and a new National Action Plan Against Racism. However, these initiatives require local action if cities are to be livable for all. ‘Livability’ has been at the centre of the Sustainable Alliances Against Anti-Muslim Hatred (SALAAM) project since inception. Commencing in March 2022, the SALAAM project team has worked with seven city councils and members of the Muslim communities they serve across four Irish cities to challenge anti-Muslim hatred. Informed by the perspectives of Muslim communities (n=193), and city council staff (n=69), this paper will elucidate insights shared by participants, revealing the lived realities of anti-Muslim hatred and the literacies (or lack thereof) of city staff vis-à-vis ‘racisms’. The paper will elaborate on the development of evidence-based initiatives co-created during SALAAM, including: the development of: anti-racist educational practices; public awareness campaigns; localised political engagement platforms; and the provision of supports for those targeted. Designed to combat anti-Muslim hatred, key learnings from SALAAM will be shared with the aim of making more cities livable for Muslim communities and others targeted with racism(s).