UN chiefs warn of rising Islamophobia, call for global action
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Muslims around the world continue to face discrimination and exclusion, urging stronger global efforts to combat Islamophobia.
In a video message marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Guterres said many Muslims experience socio-economic exclusion, biased immigration policies, surveillance and profiling. He warned that anti-Muslim rhetoric and hate speech can lead to harassment and violence against individuals and places of worship.
Guterres called on governments to protect religious freedom, counter hate speech and uphold international human rights law. He also urged online platforms to tackle harassment and discrimination based on religion.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk
Separately, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned of a “mounting wave of Islamophobia” worldwide, saying studies show rising anti-Muslim harassment, discrimination and violence, including attacks on individuals and vandalism of mosques.
He noted that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has fueled a surge in Islamophobic content online and stressed that states have a duty to protect Muslims from violence and discrimination.
The UN General Assembly declared March 15 the International Day to Combat Islamophobia in 2022, following the 2019 attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, which killed 51 people.
