Established by the UN in 2022 to mark the 2019 date when an Australian shooter in Christchurch, New Zealand opened fire inside two mosques, killing 51 people and wounding another 40. The day acknowledges a widespread rise in intolerance, prejudice and violence by a range of perpetrators against members of many different religious communities throughout the world. Islamophobia refers to prejudice, discrimination or hostility against Muslims, often fuelled by negative stereotypes and misconceptions about the Islamic religion. The International Day to Combat Islamophobia is an opportunity to learn and teach about the harm caused by Islamophobia and to promote respect and understanding between different communities and cultures.