Senior UN leaders have criticized the growing anti-Muslim hate while the General Assembly approved a resolution to push back against this problem.
In New York, the officials passed the resolution on Friday to honor the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, which is observed globally every March 15.
The new resolution, introduced by Pakistan, calls for coordinated efforts to combat ongoing violence against Muslims and urges the UN Secretary-General to appoint a special envoy to fight Islamophobia.
The international body established the International Day in response to the attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, that killed 51 people on this day in 2019.
Before approving the new resolution, the Assembly rejected two proposed changes by a group of European nations in a close vote, with 113 in favor, none against, and 44 abstentions.
The proposed changes would have replaced key language in the resolution, such as suggesting a focal point instead of a UN special envoy and eliminating references to the desecration of the Quran.
In his message, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that “divisive rhetoric and misrepresentation are stigmatizing communities,” and everyone must come together to combat intolerance, stereotypes, and bias.
“Online hate speech is fueling real-life violence,” emphasizing that digital platforms must moderate hateful content and protect users from harassment.
“Institutional discrimination and other barriers are violating the human rights and dignity of Muslims, and much of this disturbing trend is part of a wider pattern of attacks against religious groups and vulnerable populations, also including Jewish people, minority Christian communities, and others,” he added.
“We must confront and root out bigotry in all its forms,” he said.
“Leaders must condemn inflammatory discourse and safeguard religious freedom.
“Together, let us commit to promoting mutual respect and understanding, foster social cohesion and build peaceful, just and inclusive societies for all,” Guterres added.
In Geneva, Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said all forms of religious hatred and intolerance are unacceptable.
“Today’s message is perhaps more urgent than ever: We are all well past the hour to restore peace, tolerance, and respect.
“We know that fear breeds hate, ignorance, and distrust of the other.
“Islamophobia has stolen lives, dehumanizing entire communities and sparking “torrents of hate speech, magnified by social media,” he said, citing multiple reports on “huge spikes” in Islamophobic incidents amid the current conflict in the Middle East, with nearly 600 per cent increase in some countries in North America and Europe.
“States must record such incidents and urgently step up their efforts to combat intolerance against people based on religion or belief using the many available tools at their disposal, including the OHCHR guide to developing anti-discrimination legislation,” he added.
Also in Geneva, Ms Nassima Baghli, Permanent Observer of the OIC, hosted a commemorative event on Friday, saying that “Islamophobia is on the rise following the Israeli aggression on Gaza”.
She mentioned recent incidents of hostility towards Muslims, specifically citing cases where the Quran was disrespected several months ago.
“Unfair treatment and fixed ideas about religion or faith are causing a lot of damage as they strip people of their humanity and prevent them from enjoying their rights.
“We must strongly oppose and overcome these widespread issues using all available methods,” she stated.
“Our shared objective is to encourage mutual comprehension and admiration for everyone,” Baghli added.
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