Source: United Nations (video statements)
At an event commemorating the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, the Secretary-General urged a renewed commitment to “the equality, human rights, and dignity of every person, everywhere,” calling for actions to eradicate the rising tide of anti-Muslim hatred and bigotry.
The International Day to Combat Islamophobia is observed annually on March 15.
Speaking at the event in New York, Guterres cautioned a rising tide of anti-Muslim bigotry and hate. He said the bias can be overt: institutional discrimination, socio economic marginalization, sweeping immigration restrictions, and unwarranted surveillance and profiling. And the bias can also be subtle, in opportunities quietly denied, assumptions left unchallenged +, questions weighted down by suspicion.
The UN chief said, “these realities are driven – and dangerously amplified – by anti‑Muslim rhetoric, misinformation, and outright hate,” adding “when discriminatory narratives are echoed by those in positions of authority, prejudice becomes normalized. When stereotypes are left unchallenged, they harden into policy. And when fear is allowed to guide decision-making, injustice follows.”
“Online and offline, toxic narratives portray entire communities through the lens of hostility and blame,” Guterres highlighted, adding that the consequences are painfully real: “Harassment and intimidation. Vandalism and threats. Attacks on individuals and on mosques.”
He continued, “this is an assault on Muslims – and it is an assault on the values that underpin peaceful, inclusive societies everywhere.”
The Secretary-General reiterated, “governments have a clear responsibility. Laws and policies must safeguard equality, not entrench prejudice. Security measures must protect people and respect human rights, not stigmatize entire communities. Technology companies have a responsibility. Online spaces should bring people together, not drive them apart. They must do far more to identify, prevent, and address hate speech and harassment. “
“And all of us have a responsibility,” he added, “we must speak out – clearly and consistently – against bigotry, xenophobia, and discrimination wherever they appear.”
“Silence in the face of hatred only allows it to spread. Real change requires sustained political will, inclusive leadership, and a commitment to listen to all voices across diverse communities,” the UN chief said.
Guterres also said, “as Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims around the world reaffirm values that also form the foundation of the UN Charter: empathy for the vulnerable, generosity toward neighbors, and responsibility toward the wider community.”
He continued, “these universal principles must guide our global response to hatred and division.”
On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, the Secretary-General said, “let us recommit to the equality, human rights, and dignity of every person, everywhere. Let us reject the narratives of fear and exclusion. And let us work together to eradicate the rising tide of anti-Muslim hatred and bigotry, and build a world rooted in respect, inclusion, justice, and peace.”