The Secretary-General warned that for too many Muslims living as minorities, their daily lives face exclusion, institutional discrimination, socio-economic marginalization, unjustified surveillance and profiling.
Bias fuels divisions
As the world’s two billion Muslims approach the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Guterres called on governments to take responsibility and introduce measures that “safeguard equality, not entrench prejudice.”
Guterres warned against “subtle biases” that rarely make headlines but nevertheless “shape lives, erode trust and send a clear message about the situation.” who is seen as belonging and who is not.”
These could be “opportunities quietly denied, assumptions left unquestioned, or questions fraught with suspicion” and “are driven – and dangerously amplified – by anti-Muslim rhetoric, misinformation and outright hatred.”
digital amplification
Also at the event in New York, General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock said those prejudices are now amplified in the digital age, and technologies are instead supposed to increase connection.”Accelerate the spread of misinformation and bias at unprecedented speed.”
“The consequences are painfully real,” Gutteres said, and along with harassment, intimidation, vandalism, threats and attacks on people and mosques, these acts are an “assault on the values that underpin peaceful and inclusive societies everywhere.”
“Standing up against Islamophobia is not just about defending a religious community. It is about defending our shared humanity,” Ms Baerblock said.
“I encourage governments, international institutions, technology companies and civil society to follow the example of the United Nations and play a proactive role in challenging harmful stereotypes while promoting accurate and responsible information,” he added.
assume the responsibility
In his address to the assembly, Guterres said that when discrimination “resonates with those in positions of authority, Prejudices are normalized.”
“When stereotypes are not challenged, they become policies. And when fear is allowed to guide decision-making, injustice arises.”
“Governments have a clear responsibility“he added, urging them to take action and introduce laws and security measures that protect people and respect human rights,”do not stigmatize entire communities.”
He also emphasized the responsibility of technology companies, saying that “online spaces must bring people together, not separate them,” adding that they “must do much more to identify, prevent and address hate speech and harassment.”
Silence feeds hate
“YesSilence in the face of hate only allows it to spread.”, stressed the Secretary General, and we all have the responsibility to denounce intolerance, xenophobia and discrimination.
“As Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims around the world reaffirm values that also form the basis of the United Nations Charter.These universal principles must guide our global response to hate and division..”