FACL BC Statement on the Islamophobic Attack in London, Ontario
June 10, 2021
The Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society (FACL BC) is deeply saddened and disturbed by the terrible murder of four members of a Pakistan-Canadian Muslim family who were out walking in London, Ontario.1 Evidence shows that this was a planned, premeditated act of violence fueled by anti-Muslim hate and white supremacy. FACL BC condemns the violent ideology that led to this tragedy. We stand in solidarity and mourn with the family whose members were taken and the Muslim community across Canada who are all grieving this loss of life. Our thoughts are also with the lone survivor of this attack, who is only nine years old and is currently recovering in hospital.
While we mourn these losses in this moment, we recognize that this incident is linked to a long history of Islamophobia in this country, where scapegoating of Muslims has been an acceptable practice in our national conversation, institutions, and foreign policy. The result is the dehumanization of Muslims, which leads to violence.
We encourage everyone reading this to take action and call out Islamophobia, whether it is perpetrated by individuals, leaders, corporations, or political parties. All acts of Islamophobia contribute towards the unsafe environment that Muslims face daily. Muslim women and Black Muslims are especially targeted — a recent series of attacks against Black Muslim women in Alberta has left many feeling unsafe.2
We also encourage everyone affected by this tragedy to seek out mental health resources and community support. Here are some resources:
If you have faced discrimination yourself, we encourage you to seek assistance.
FACL BC is a sponsor of the Islamophobia Legal Assistance Hotline, which provides free confidential legal advice for people who feel that they have been discriminated against, harassed, or faced violence because they are Muslim or are perceived to be Muslim. The hotline number is 604-343-3828. For more information, visit https://islamophobiahotline.ca/.
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1 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/london-truck-attack-victims-1.6057079
2 https://globalnews.ca/news/7721850/hate-crime-alberta-attacks-black-muslim-women/
