EBN-In order to counteract the “alarming rise” in intolerance against Muslims, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged solidarity against prejudice and hatred.
According to a statement released by the United Nations, Guterres cautioned against racial profiling and discriminatory policies that violate human rights and dignity and can even result in outright violence against people and places of worship in his message commemorating the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
The Secretary-General stated, “This is part of a broader scourge of intolerance, extremist ideologies, and attacks against religious groups and vulnerable groups,” adding that it jeopardizes the rights and freedoms of all when one group is assaulted.
Guterres called on all people worldwide to denounce and eradicate intolerance, as well as to publicly denounce hatred and discrimination. He also urged online platforms to combat hate speech and urged governments to uphold religious freedom and foster social cohesion.
“On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, let us work together to support equality, human rights, and dignity, and to build inclusive societies where everyone can live in peace, regardless of their beliefs,” he said.
Member states of the United Nations General Assembly met today to draw attention to the alarming rise in anti-Muslim sentiment and strongly condemned all acts of violence against persons based on their religion or belief, and attacks on places of worship.
For his part, UN General Assembly President Philomon Yang highlighted the role of extremist ideologies in fueling hatred, saying, “Islamophobia is not an isolated issue; it is linked to hatred, intolerance, racism, and the widespread dissemination of hate speech.”
Within the broader call to combat Islamophobia, the UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, Miguel Angel Moratinos, emphasized the importance of unity and mutual understanding. “We must all stand against all forms of hatred and discrimination,” he said, emphasizing the need for governments to create environments that foster peaceful dialogue and respect among all religious and cultural communities.
