Key points
- Antonio Guterres in Dhaka on Ramadan solidarity visit
- UN chief warns of racial profiling, discriminatory policies
- World commemorates International Day to Combat Islamophobia
ISLAMABAD: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged everyone to speak out against xenophobia and discrimination to combat a “disturbing rise” in anti-Muslim bigotry.
In a message marking Saturday’s International Day to Combat Islamophobia, the UN chief, who is on a Ramadan solidarity visit to Bangladesh, warned of racial profiling and discriminatory policies that violate human rights and dignity, to outright violence against individuals and places of worship.
“This is part of a wider scourge of intolerance, extremist ideologies, and attacks against religious groups and vulnerable populations,” he said, adding that when one group is attacked, “the rights and freedoms of all are at risk”.
He urged everyone around the world to reject and eradicate bigotry and to speak out against xenophobia and discrimination. He also called on governments to foster social cohesion and protect religious freedom and for online platforms to curb hate speech and harassment.
“Let us work together”
“On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, let us work together to uphold equality, human rights and dignity, and build inclusive societies where everyone, regardless of their faith, can live in peace and harmony.”
Meanwhile, on Friday, UN Member States gathered in the General Assembly to call attention to the worrying rise in anti-Muslim sentiment.
The world body established the International Day in 2022, unanimously adopting a resolution in which it also called for strengthened international efforts to promote a culture of tolerance and peace at all levels, based on respect for human rights and for the diversity of religions and beliefs.
“Strongly deplored”
It also “strongly deplored” all acts of violence against persons on the basis of their religion or belief and attacks against places of worship.
Philemon Yang, President of the General Assembly, drew attention to the role of extremist ideologies in fuelling hatred.
“We cannot accept the misuse of Islam for malicious intentions,” Mr. Yang stated, condemning the narrative of violence associated with the religion.
“Islamophobia is not an isolated issue,” he continued. “Rather, it is connected to xenophobia, intolerance, racism, sexism and the rampant spread of hate speech.”
He also emphasized that combatting Islamophobia required a broader commitment to tolerance, particularly regarding the portrayal of Muslim women.
“Muslim women, in particular, face added hostility, due to deeply unjust portrayals of them as oppressed by their religion,” he remarked.
He underscored the need for inclusive policies that celebrate diversity and ensure equal rights for all.
As part of the broader call to combat Islamophobia, Miguel Angel Moratinos, UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, echoed the importance of unity and mutual understanding.
“We must all stand up against all forms of hatred and discrimination,” he said, stressing the need for governments to create environments that foster peaceful dialogue and respect among all religious and cultural communities.
Rising tide of Islamophobia
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the international community to implement tangible and effective measures to address the rising tide of Islamophobia.
“Incidents of Islamophobic rhetoric, hate speech, and assaults on Muslim communities, mosques, and sacred symbols are serious violations of fundamental human rights and the principles of religious freedom,” a statement issued by the ministry said.
“As a leading voice in the global fight against Islamophobia, Pakistan looks forward to continue working with the international community to promote tolerance, harmony, and mutual respect among all religions and cultures,” the ministry noted.
Islamophobic incidents
In 2021, three generations of a Muslim Canadian family were killed, leaving a 9-year-old child orphaned. The motive was horrific: Police say the pickup driver who mowed into them targeted them because of their faith, according to NPR.
