On Friday, the United Nations held a special event in the General Assembly Hall to commemorate the first-ever International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Leaders and speakers emphasized the need for tangible action against rising hatred, discrimination, and violence targeting Muslims worldwide.

This observance stems from a resolution unanimously adopted by the General Assembly last year, officially designating March 15 as the International Day. The resolution calls for global dialogue to promote tolerance, peace, and respect for human rights and religious diversity. 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted that nearly two billion Muslims represent humanity's vast diversity, yet they frequently endure prejudice and hostility because of their faith. He also noted that Muslim women often experience "triple discrimination" due to their gender, ethnicity, and religion. 

Islamophobia on the Rise
At the high-level event, Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, stressed that Islam is a faith of peace, tolerance, and pluralism. However, he warned that Islamophobia is not only a persistent issue but one that has escalated significantly. 

"Since 9/11, anti-Muslim animosity and institutional suspicion have grown to epidemic levels. A dangerous narrative links Muslim communities to violence and extremism, spreading across media, academia, and even policymaking circles," said Zardari, who also chairs the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers. 

A Shared Responsibility
UN General Assembly President Csaba Kőrösi explained that Islamophobia is rooted in xenophobia and manifests in discriminatory policies, travel bans, hate speech, and other forms of prejudice. He urged all nations to uphold freedom of religion as enshrined in international human rights agreements. 

"All of us have a duty to challenge Islamophobia and all forms of religious discrimination. We must actively call out injustice wherever it occurs," he said, adding that education is essential in dismantling these biases. 

Hate on the Rise
Secretary-General Guterres connected the surge in Islamophobia to broader extremist ideologies, including ethno-nationalism and white supremacism. He stressed that discrimination harms everyone and that global efforts must be intensified to combat it. 

"We must never be bystanders to bigotry. The UN is working on initiatives such as safeguarding religious sites, combating online hate speech, and promoting social cohesion through political, cultural, and economic investment," he stated. 

Guterres called for stronger regulations on digital platforms to curb the rapid spread of hate online. The UN is collaborating with governments, tech companies, and media organizations to implement stricter measures. 

Diversity as Strength
Emphasizing unity, Guterres quoted the Holy Quran: "Nations and tribes were created to know one another." He urged global leaders to embrace diversity as a source of strength, not division, and commended religious leaders worldwide for fostering interfaith dialogue. 

The UN reaffirmed its commitment to combating Islamophobia and ensuring that tolerance, respect, and inclusivity shape the future of global society. 


Source: https://www.muslimink.com/society/un-observes-first-international-day-against-islamophobia/