FORUM: ''Embracing Diversity: Tackling Islamophobia.'' International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2025. We stand in solidarity with those that have suffered intolerance, discrimination, violations and violence, purely on account of being Muslims. Nobody should suffer fear for having or manifesting their religion or belief. Everyone should feel safe and benefit from the equal protection of their human rights, which must be guaranteed by all States. Yet today, hate entrepreneurs, political parties, armed groups, religious leaders and even State actors around the world, are trampling on respect for diversity of religions and beliefs, discriminating, violating human rights, and overlooking or even attempting to justify these violations. Acts of harassment, intimidation, violence and incitement based on religion or belief have risen sharply across the world last year, reaching alarming levels, shocking our conscience and creating a climate of fear and deep distrust. Let’s Reject bigotry and discrimination. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Faith4Rights, #cultureofpeace, #antitIslamophobiaday, #15March.
EVENTS: On March 15th; The OIC will host a webinar to observe the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2025.
On March 14th; The United Nations General Assembly have organized an informal meeting of the plenary to Commemorate the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2025 which started at 15:00 pm. Watch the commemoration!
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Statement by the U.N. Secretary-General on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2025; March 15th.
[Mr. President,] Excellencies, [Ladies and Gentlemen]
It is an honour to join you [at this important event].
I [am pleased] to share the United Nations Secretary-General’s message to mark this International Day to Combat Islamophobia:
As Muslims around the world come together to mark the holy month of Ramadan, many do so in fear – fear of discrimination, exclusion, and even violence.
We are witnessing a disturbing rise in anti-Muslim bigotry:
From 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.
When one group is attacked, the rights and freedoms of all are at risk.
As a global community, we must reject and eradicate bigotry.
Governments must foster social cohesion and protect religious freedom.
Online platforms must curb hate speech and harassment.
And we must all speak out against bigotry, xenophobia, and discrimination.
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.
Thank you.
United Nations Secretary-General
Your Excellency, Mr. Philemon Yang,
President of the General Assembly;
Your Excellency, Mr. Courtenay Rattray,
Chef-de-Cabinet of the Secretary-General;
Excellencies,
Distinguished participants,
I would like to start by thanking the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for their consistent efforts and commitment to address and combat Islamophobia. The observance of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia also reflects the resolve of the Member States, which supported the resolution to raise awareness about the insidious phenomenon of Islamophobia, and to advance mutual respect and understanding. This commitment was reinforced last year by another significantly important resolution on Measures to Combat Islamophobia.
Both resolutions remind us of the bigotry and dehumanizing rhetoric that Muslims have to quite often face in many parts of the world for no other reason than their faith. Hate speech drives wedge between communities, sparks fear and anger and may often lead to violence which threatens peace and stability in societies.
Based on International Human Rights, hate speech online and offline that amounts to advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence is prohibited.
Digital platforms have a responsibility to moderate hateful content and protect users from harassment without infringing on the freedom of expression.
Furthermore, Muslims are challenged with institutional discrimination and socio-economic restrictions.
Such biases are manifested in the stigmatization and the unwarranted racial profiling of Muslims and are reinforced by biased media representations, and by the anti-Muslim rhetoric and policies of some political leaders.
Many such acts of intolerance and suspicion may not be reflected into official statistics – but they degrade people’s dignity and our common humanity.
Discrimination against Muslims is not an isolated pattern.
It is part of the resurgence of ethno-nationalism, neo-Nazi white supremacist ideologies, and violence targeting vulnerable populations, including Muslims, Jews, some minority Christian communities and other faith denominations. These trends are manifested in the attacks on religious sites, and the decertation of holy books and physical attacks on persons on the basis of their religion or belief.
People everywhere must be allowed to observe and practice their faith peacefully without fear. Around the world religious sites have been attacked. All places of worship and contemplation should be safe havens, not sites of terror or bloodshed.
Excellencies,
We must all stand up against all forms of hatred and discrimination. Allowing toxic hate against one faith community to persist unaddressed will not end there. It will lead to sparking hatred against other faiths.
All forms of hate should be rooted out wherever and whenever it occurs.
This means pushing for policies that fully respect human rights and protect religious and cultural identities, particularly of minorities.
This means investing in social cohesion by encouraging initiatives that promote dialogue, mutual respect and protects human rights and the dignity of all.
Excellencies,
It is almost halfway through the holy month of Ramadan.
A month of reflection about the true values inherent in Islam’s message of peace, compassion, and mutual respect. These values are also at the heart of the mandate that the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations strives to fulfill.
This brings me to the General Assembly resolution “Measures to Combat Islamophobia”, which contains a number of action points and requests the Secretary-General to appoint a UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.
I am encouraged by my ongoing engagement with the OIC core group, as well as other Member States, and our discussions on the implementation of these action points.
I conclude by reiterating my commitment to stand in solidarity with Muslim communities and to stand up against all forms of hate and bigotry.
I thank you.
UNAOC High-representative
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