New Ground Research Releases Granada Declaration of Principles for Combatting Islamophobia and Antisemitism Together
- Dec 7, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 27
International Framework Offers Unified Approach to Combatting Islamophobia and Antisemitism Together.
DOHA, QATAR – 7th December 2025 – The New Ground Research Foundation has released the Granada Declaration of Principles for Combatting Islamophobia and Antisemitism, an innovative framework designed to tackle two of the most pressing forms of racism in today's world. The initiative was introduced at this year's Doha Forum during a session titled: "Combatting Islamophobia and Antisemitism Through the Granada Declaration," marking the culmination of a multi-year initiative that began in 2022.
The Granada Declaration recognises Islamophobia and antisemitism as "twin challenges"— two interconnected issues that must be addressed collectively. Professor Brian Klug, Honorary Fellow at Oxford University, observed, "Antisemitism and Islamophobia are intertwined. They tend to occur together. It is therefore necessary to combat them together. Hence, the Granada Declaration."
The Granada Declaration calls for a balanced, unified response to combatting both Islamophobia and antisemitism – where efforts to combat one form of discrimination often overlook or minimise the other. At the same time, it acknowledges the need for targeted strategies to address each form of discrimination, aiming to strengthen rather than replace existing efforts.
Ambassador Dr Khalid Fahad Al-Khater, President and Founder of New Ground Research, stated, "The Granada Declaration draws inspiration from the rich and profound history shared by Muslims and Jews to provide a new pathway to a future rooted in collaboration and understanding."
The panel featured high-profile speakers, including His Excellency Álvaro Renedo Zalba, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the State of Qatar, who stressed in his opening remarks the urgent need to address Islamophobia and antisemitism in tandem, underscoring the importance of a collaborative effort to reduce polarisation and build bridges between communities.
Ms Simona Cruciani delivered remarks on behalf of the office of the UN Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide, where she emphasised the critical role of addressing hate speech as part of broader efforts to combat racism and discrimination.
Ms Cruciani praised the Granada Declaration for aligning with the UN's inclusive framework for preventing hate-based violence and fostering cohesion. Ms Cruciani emphasised, "Hate speech, including antisemitism and Islamophobia, harms both individuals and societies." Ms Cruciani also added, "The Granada Declaration is a crucial step toward unified, comprehensive strategies to combat these prejudices and prevent their escalation into violence." Ms Cruciani further noted, "This is why the Office of the UN Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide has decided to actively support its introduction to UN stakeholders next year."
During the panel, drafters outlined the Declaration's framework for coordinated action and its alignment with international human rights standards, emphasising its potential to reshape global responses to discrimination. Professor Dalia Fahmy, Director of International Relations and Diplomacy and Associate Professor of Political Science at Long Island University, described the Granada Declaration as "a foundational re-evaluation of how we understand and confront Islamophobia and antisemitism." Professor Fahmy explained, "It posits that these efforts are integral to the broader campaign against all forms of racism and discrimination. A central tenet is that Islamophobia and antisemitism are often addressed exclusively and pitted against each other. Therefore, its purpose is to foster a unified strategy that advocates fighting them as 'twin challenges.' This approach recognises them as distinct forms of bigotry while also acknowledging their interconnectedness."
Highlighting the urgency of addressing these challenges, Professor Dov Waxman, Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Professor of Israel Studies at UCLA, stated: "At a time of rising antisemitism and Islamophobia in many countries around the world, the Granada Declaration is a critical intervention. It recognises antisemitism and Islamophobia as two distinct, yet often interconnected, forms of racism, and aligns efforts to combat them with the broader, global struggle against racism in all its forms."
Ahmed Shaheed, Professor of Human Rights at the University of Essex and former UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, emphasised its collaborative and rights-based approach: "The Granada Declaration is a testament to the power of listening, learning, and collaboration. Where antisemitism and Islamophobia function to divide, the Declaration offers a tool for solidarity in tackling a shared problem, providing a thoughtful framework to address hate speech with precision and ensure responses are measured, rights-based, and effective."
Ambassador Dr Al-Khater concluded the session by urging governments, organisations, and community leaders worldwide to adopt and implement the principles of the Granada Declaration. He emphasised that by working together, stakeholders can build inclusive societies where racism and division have no place. "Let the Granada Declaration serve as a foundation for collective action to combat Islamophobia and antisemitism towards a shared and responsible future," he stated.
The Granada Declaration was drafted in the Spanish city of Granada as part of New Ground Research's annual roundtables on "Combatting Islamophobia and Antisemitism." The drafting process involved many researchers, academics, journalists, and policymakers who contributed directly to the Declaration, as well as others who participated in previous annual roundtables since 2022 and were instrumental in shaping the thinking around how to best frame and combat these twin challenges. While those who participated in the release event at the Doha Forum played a key role in drafting the Declaration, they are part of a broader group of experts who were equally instrumental in shaping it.
New Ground Research has made the decision to refrain from naming individual contributors—a decision made during the Annual Roundtable on Combatting Islamophobia and Antisemitism in Granada—so that the Granada Declaration is judged by its own merit rather than based on those who contributed to it.
New Ground Research continues to build on its mission to bridge global divides through collaborative action, and initiatives that promote the foundation’s philosophy of working towards a shared and responsible future. The Granada Declaration represents a critical step in this mission, offering a framework that champions the dignity and rights of all.
Watch the Granda Declaration panel at Doha Forum 2025:
