UN Chief Urges Action Against Anti-Muslim Discrimination, Protection of Religious Freedom
UN Chief Urges Action Against Anti-Muslim Discrimination, Protection of Religious Freedom
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The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has called for stronger global efforts to combat discrimination and bias against Muslims, stressing the need to protect religious freedom worldwide.
In a message marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Guterres noted that Muslims, who number around two billion globally, represent diverse communities across the world. However, he said they often face institutional discrimination, social and economic exclusion, and biased migration policies, as well as unjustified surveillance and profiling.
He warned that such conditions are fueled by anti-Muslim rhetoric and hate speech, which can escalate into harassment and violence targeting individuals and places of worship.
Guterres urged governments to take concrete steps to counter hate speech, ensure full compliance with international human rights law, and safeguard freedom of religion. He also called on online platforms to address hate speech and harassment based on religion or belief.
The UN chief reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to equality, human rights, and human dignity, urging people worldwide to speak out against intolerance, xenophobia, and discrimination. He also noted that in May 2025, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations appointed a special envoy to strengthen efforts to combat Islamophobia.
The International Day to Combat Islamophobia, established by the United Nations in 2022 and observed annually on March 15, commemorates the victims of the Christchurch mosque shootings, in which 51 people were killed, and aims to promote tolerance, human rights, and interfaith coexistence.
