In a message that marks the International Day of Saturday to combat Islamophobia, Secretary General António Guterres warned about the racial profile and discriminatory policies that violate human rights and dignity, direct violence against people and places of worship.
“This is part of a broader scourge of intolerance, extremist ideologies and attacks against religious groups and vulnerable populations,” he said, adding that When a group is attacked, “everyone’s rights and freedoms are at risk”.
He urged everyone around the world to reject and eradicate intolerance, and to speak against xenophobia and discrimination. He also asked governments to encourage social cohesion and protect religious freedom, and online platforms to stop hate discourse and harassment.
“On this international day to combat Islamophobia, Let’s work together to defend equality, human rights and dignity, and build inclusive societies where everyone, regardless of their faith, can live in peace and harmony.. “
Commemoration of the General Assembly
Meanwhile, on Friday, UN Member States met at the General Assembly to attract attention to the worrying increase in anti-Muslim feeling.
The world body established the International Day in 2022, unanimously adopting through a resolution in which it also requested international efforts to promote a culture of tolerance and peace at all levels, based on respect for human rights and the diversity of religions and beliefs.
He also “deplored” all acts of violence against people based on their religion or belief and attacks against places of worship.
A collective responsibility
Philémon Yang, president of the General Assembly, caught attention to the role of extremist ideologies to feed hatred.
“We cannot accept the misuse of Islam for malicious intentions,” said Mr. Yang, condemning the narration of violence associated with religion.
“Islamophobia is not an isolated problem“Continuous”.Rather, it is connected to xenophobia, intolerance, racism, sexism and unbridled dissemination of hate discourse. “
Stop an unfair representation of women
He also emphasized that fighting Islamophobia required a broader commitment to tolerance, particularly regarding the representation of Muslim women.
“Muslim women, in particular, face added hostility, due to deeply unfair representations of them as oppressed by their religion“He said.
He underlined the need for inclusive policies that celebrate diversity and guarantee equal rights for all.
The way forward
As part of the broader call to combat Islamophobia, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, a high UN representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, echoed the importance of unity and mutual understanding.
“We must all face all forms of hate and discrimination.“He said, emphasizing the need for governments to create environments that foster Pacific dialogue and respect between all religious and cultural communities.