“No doubt that there is a rise in Islamophobia in the west, which is indicated in the latest OIC Islamophobia Observatory report, and there is usually a spike in hate crimes against Muslims following terrorist acts perpetrated by Muslims,” said Akeel. “The forum will look at the role of the media and civil society in countering Islamophobia from a legal and human rights perspective because we cannot talk about the role of the media without discussing freedom of the press and freedom of expression as fundamental human rights,” said Akeel. Also, “when talking about the role of the media it is within the framework of its responsibility in the proliferation of stereotypes and its ethical and professional standards in covering and handling Islamophobic acts,” she added. The two-day event will conclude with recommendations and some possible projects for implementation. --SPA 12:38 LOCAL TIME 09:38 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w445362