Canada's appointment of its first special representative to combat Islamophobia, a position created after a series of recent attacks targeting Muslims in the country, has sparked celebration and praise on social media.

A statement issued by the Canadian Prime Minister's office said that journalist and activist Amira Al-Ghawabi will fill the position "to be an advocate, advisor, expert and representative to support and strengthen the federal government's efforts to combat Islamophobia, systemic racism, racial discrimination and religious intolerance."

Al-Ghawabi is a human rights activist, public relations officer at the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and columnist for the Toronto Star, having previously worked for more than a decade at CBC (CBC). CBC) Canadian Public Broadcasting.

Islamophobia, discrimination, and hatred have no place in this country.

To help build a safer and more inclusive Canada, Prime Minister Trudeau announced the appointment of Amira Elghawaby as Canada's first Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia.

https://t.co/zE164jVXM3

— CanadianPM (@CanadianPM) January 26, 2023

position and tasks

In her new position, Al-Ghawabi will promote awareness of the diverse and intersecting identities of Muslims in Canada and advise the government in developing comprehensive policies, legislative proposals, programs and systems that reflect their realities, helping to promote respect for equality, inclusion and diversity and highlighting the important contributions of Muslims to the Canadian national fabric, according to Prime Minister's statement.

For his part, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised - via Twitter - the appointment of Al-Ghawabi, which he saw as "an important step in our fight against Islamophobia and hate in all its forms."

"Diversity is really one of Canada's greatest strengths, but for many Muslims, Islamophobia is very familiar," he added.

Islamophobia and discrimination are unacceptable.

Period.

Today, we're appointing @AmiraElghawaby as Canada's first Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia to help end this hate - and to build a better future for everyone.

More here: https://t.co/revaJmTvAa

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 26, 2023

Over recent years, a series of bloody attacks have targeted Canadian Muslims.

In June 2021, 4 members of a Muslim family were killed when someone ran them over with his truck in Ontario.

And 4 years before that, 6 Muslims were killed and 5 injured in an attack on a mosque in Quebec City.

In a series of tweets she posted on Thursday, Al-Ghawabi listed the names of the people killed in the recent attacks and wrote, "We must never forget."

The creation of the new position came as part of the recommendations of a national summit on Islamophobia organized by the federal government in June 2021 in response to these attacks.

Thank you to Minister @HonAhmedHussen, his team, and the Government of Canada for making this position a reality, as a way to foster greater diversity and inclusion across the country.

1/ 6

- Amira Elghawaby (@AmiraElghawaby) January 26, 2023

Set and interact

The appointment of Al-Ghawabi, the first special representative to combat Islamophobia, was widely welcomed and praised by organizations and official and political figures who considered her appointment a step forward towards a healthy and diverse society, declaring their support for her in her struggle against hatred.

Amnesty International saw - in a tweet on Twitter - that the appointment of the Special Representative to combat Islamophobia, Amira Al-Ghawabi, is a turning point in the war on Islamophobia, and added, "We congratulate Amira, and we wish her strength and success as she undertakes this difficult task."

The Appointment of Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia Amira Elghawaby is a Turning Point in the Fight Against Islamophobia

Congratulations to @AmiraElghawaby


Wishing her strength & success as she takes on this challenging mandate https://t.co/XqK5fhTKhu#cdnpoli

— AmnestyCanada (@AmnestyNow) January 26, 2023

For his part, Canadian Minister of Housing and Diversity Ahmed Hussein commented - in a tweet - saying, "Today is an important day for Canada," while a Canadian member of parliament, Shafqat Ali, wrote, "A heroic princess, and she will work as a consultant, expert, and representative of the government for the purpose of strengthening efforts to combat Islamophobia."

An important day today for Canada.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of the Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, Amira Elghawaby. https://t.co/hUO2xPI7Sw pic.twitter.com/aMb2cc1rN8

- Ahmed Hussen (@HonAhmedHussen) January 26, 2023

"It's a great day in the country that I am so proud to call home," activist and lawyer Shirin Salti wrote.

It's a big day in the country. I'm so proud to call home 🇨🇦

Thank you Minister @HonAhmedHussen for the opportunity to witness.

Pleased to share my dear friend & mentor, @AmiraElghawaby has been appointed as Canada's first Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia 💚 ALF MABROOK!

pic.twitter.com/CnrEPke2S7

— my authority |

Salti (@ShireenSalti) January 26, 2023

Media and political strategist Kathleen Monck tweeted, "This is great timing. Amira is a committed activist full of integrity and compassion. She has advocated for human rights and worked for years to address anti-Muslim hatred. Congratulations Amira."

This is a spectacular appointment.

@AmiraElghawaby is a committed activist.

Filled to the brim with integrity and kindness.

She has advocated for #HumanRights and has worked for years to address anti-Muslim hatred.

Congrats Amira!

🙌🏼💛 💜💙💚🧡❤️ https://t.co/5W5trcwFRL

— Kathleen Monk (@kathleenmonk) January 26, 2023

Role and importance

As for parliamentarian Salma Zahid, she wrote, "This is an important role and builds on the strong work you have already been doing to combat hate and Islamophobia. We look forward to your continued leadership and standing with you."

While political researcher Jennifer Ditchburn commented on Trudeau's tweet, saying, "This is an inspiring choice. Heartfelt congratulations and all the best in this new role."

Representative Bonnie Crombie also welcomed the appointment, stressing that we must work together to promote respect for diversity and promote the important contributions that Muslims make, while standing firm against all forms of hatred and racism.

I applaud the appointment of @AmiraElghawaby as Canada's first Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia.

We must work together to advance respect for diversity and promote the important contributions of Muslims make while standing firm against all forms of hatred & racism.

https://t.co/i04AM4dFxf

— Bonnie Crombie 🇨🇦 (@BonnieCrombie) January 26, 2023

Al-Ghawabi is an award-winning journalist and human rights advocate who has helped advance civil liberties for Canadian Muslims. She is a founding board member of the Canadian Network Against Hate and has an extensive career supporting initiatives to combat hate and promote coexistence.