International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2026; March 15th.

 

  FORUM: "Collective effort to eradicate Islamophobia is a key for creating peace." International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2026. 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.

EVENT: Join Webinar to commemorate the International Day to combat Islamophobia 2026 on March 15th. Many Governments have taken steps to combat Islamophobia by establishing anti-hate-crime legislation and measures to prevent and prosecute hate crimes and by conducting public awareness campaigns about Muslims and Islam designed to dispel negative myths and misconceptions. Register to participate!

On March 16th, 2026; at the UNHQ; Starting at 03:00 PM. EST a high-level event hosted by the United General Assembly will bring together United Nations Member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations, international and regional organizations, as well as civil society, private sector and faith-based organizations, to observe the International Day in an appropriate manner, as mandated by the aforementioned resolution. Read the concept note and Watch the livestream!

On March 16th, 2026; at the UNHQ; Starting at 08:00 PM. EST at UNHQ; a High-level event entitled "Addressing Islamophobia and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief -- the Nexus to Human Rights" will be held in commemoration of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Watch the Livestream!

Statement of U.N. Secretary-General on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2026; March 15th.

The world’s 2 billion Muslims hail from all corners of the globe, reflecting the vast diversity of humanity itself.

Yet they often face institutional discrimination, socio-economic exclusion, biased immigration policies, and unwarranted surveillance and profiling.

These worrying trends are fuelled by anti-Muslim rhetoric and outright hate, which can lead to harassment and violence against individuals and places of worship.

Governments must take concrete steps to address hate speech, protect religious freedom and combat discrimination, including by ensuring full compliance with international human rights law.

Online platforms must work to wipe out hate speech and harassment against people based on their religion or belief.

And all people need to speak out against bigotry, xenophobia and discrimination wherever they find it.

That’s why I appointed in May 2025 the High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations as the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia to enhance our collective response.

On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, let’s re-commit to the equality, human rights and dignity of every person, no matter their faith.

Let’s eradicate the scourge of Islamophobia from every country and community.

United Nations Secretary-General.

INTERVIEW: Rising Islamophobia is a serious global concern that requires a collective international response focused on education and combating misinformation about Islam, says the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.

Speaking to UN News ahead of the International Day to counter the scourge marked on 15 March, Miguel Moratinos warned that incidents are increasing in several regions, particularly in Europe, but also in Asia, Africa and the Sahel. The trend, he said, reflects growing polarisation and the politicisation of Muslim communities in some countries. Mr. Moratinos – who also serves as High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations – told UN News’s Khaled Mohamed that respecting religious diversity and combating discrimination are essential to fostering peaceful coexistence.

LIVESTREAM: Commemorative event to mark the Intl' Day to combay Islamophobia  2026 at UNHQ.

 

 The high-level event entitled "From Norms to Action: Addressing Islamophobia and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief -- the Nexus to Human Rights" aims to provide a balanced and inclusive platform for dialogue among Member States, the United Nations system, and non-State stakeholders, grounded in existing international human rights norms and standards.

 

International Day to combat Islamophobia 2025; March 15th.

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

Remarks of the UNAOC High Representative’s Remarks at the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2025; March 15th.


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

International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2024. March 15th.

FORUM: ''Embracing Diversity: Tackling Islamophobia.'' International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2024. 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. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Faith4Rights, #cultureofpeace, #antitIslamophobiaday, #15March.

EVENTS: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Office of the Director-General will organize a special High-level event to Commemorate the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2024 on 15 March 2024, 10:00am – 1:00pm from the united Nations office in Geneva. Watch the commemoration!

STATEMENTS:

Statement by the United Nations Secretary-General's message for the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2024; March 15th.

The International Day to Combat Islamophobia occurs at a time when we see a rising tide of anti-Muslim hate and bigotry in many parts of the world.

Institutional discrimination and other barriers are violating the human rights and dignity of Muslims. Divisive rhetoric and misrepresentation are stigmatizing communities. Online hate speech is fueling real-life violence.

Much of this disturbing trend is part of a wider pattern of attacks against religious groups and vulnerable populations, also including Jews, minority Christian communities and others.

We must confront and root out bigotry in all its forms. Leaders must condemn inflammatory discourse and safeguard religious freedom. Digital platforms must moderate hateful content and protect users from harassment. And everyone must unite to combat intolerance, stereotypes and bias.

Together, let us commit to promoting mutual respect and understanding, foster social cohesion, and build peaceful, just and inclusive societies for all.

H.E. Mr. António Guterres; United Nations Secretary-General.

Statement by the United Nations General Assembly President at the High-Level Event to commemorate the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2024.

Your Excellency, Mr. Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad of Mauritania, and Chair of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC Member States,

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

Two years ago, this General Assembly adopted a momentous resolution – proclaiming this day, 15 March, as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

This came in the wake of the senseless Christchurch massacre – where 55 innocent Muslims brutally lost their lives.

On this important day, as President of the General Assembly, I stand in solidarity with all Muslims around the world – particularly with all those deliberately targeted by any acts of Islamophobia; any form of racism; and any form discrimination.

Excellencies,
Freedom of religion, belief or worship; and freedom of opinion and expression, are interdependent, interrelated and mutually reinforcing.

The right to one’s religious belief or worship cannot – and must not – be the basis for any form of intolerance and discrimination.

Unfortunately, we are witnessing an alarming surge in discrimination, intolerance, and violence against members of many religions in various parts of the world, including cases motivated by Islamophobia.

Hate speech, in particular, has become a sickening poison in the hearts and minds of those who perpetrate it – and a relentless torment on those who are targeted by it.

I categorically deplore all acts of violence against Muslims and persons of all religions and beliefs – as well as attacks against sacred places of worship, religious sites and shrines. Such demeaning and dastardly acts cannot be hidden behind the cover of freedom of expression.


Excellencies,

Intolerance, xenophobia and hate speech – both online and offline – are fueling the exponential increase in hate crimes and conflict, as well as socioeconomic marginalization.

In particular, Muslim women – in many regions of the world – face multiple forms of discrimination based on their religion,gender and ethnicity.

Not only is this morally wrong, it is a flagrant violation of their human rights and dignity.

Every individual has the right to live without fear of violence or any form of prejudice.

Upholding freedoms – including those of religion, opinion, and assembly – is crucial to combating intolerance and discrimination of any shape or form.

States have the primary obligation to protect and defend all human rights for all – and to eradicate all forms of racism and discrimination.





But – as responsible global citizens – we, individually, are also duty bound to contribute to combating any form of discrimination; any form of incitement to hatred and violence against Muslims,and by extension, against persons of other belief systems.

This is particularly important at this moment, in the context of the ongoing military confrontation in the Middle East – which has led to an alarming rise in both Islamophobia and antisemitism around the world.

As President of General Assembly, I stand firmly against racism and all forms of discrimination and call upon the entire international community and on civil society to repudiate racism and xenophobia in all its forms and manifestations, including islamophobia.

Together, let us end all forms of intolerance and discrimination.

As we mark this International Day to Combat Islamophobia – which this year coincides with the Holy Month of Ramadan – let us stand respectfully, shoulder-to-shoulder, in solidarity with our 2 billion Muslim brothers and sisters.

I take this opportunity to wish a blessed month and Ramadan Kareem to all Muslims around the world. This is a moment to embrace empathy and compassion; the beauty and richness of our diversity; and that which unite rather than devide us, that is, our common humanity.

Let us not give in to the forces of division and hate, but rather rally for dialogue, tolerance, respect, understading, harmony and compassion for all others – always.

I thank you for your kind attention.

Remarks by UNAOC High Representative at the Special Event Commemorating the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2024.

Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,

Al Salamu Alikom and Ramdan Kareem.

It gives me a great honour to be addressing this High-Level event commemorating the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

I wish to applaud the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and particularly the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, the Chair of the 49th session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, for focusing attention and calling for action, to curb and put an end to Islamophobia.

It is alarming to see the overall rise in instances of discrimination, intolerance and violence, directed against members of many religious communities in various parts of the world, including cases motivated by Islamophobia, antisemitism and prejudices against Christian minorities as well as other faith communities.

It is particularly heart breaking that many Muslims observing the holy month of Ramadan are suffering wars and conflicts.

Around the world, Muslims are still facing stigmatization, hate speech and structural bias.

Their fundamental human rights are being compromised.

Their dignity undermined.

Manifestations of discrimination, bigotry and violence against Muslims including the desecration of their holy book, mosques and sacred sites are unjustifiable and are utterly rejected.

Across our cross-cutting activities, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations promotes interreligious and intercultural dialogue, emphasizes respect for religious and cultural diversity with the aim of advancing a culture of tolerance and respect among individuals, societies and nations.

I stand ready with my office to work closely with you to address Islamophobia through mobilizing concerted actions towards a paradigm of mutual respect among diverse cultures and religions.

Concluding, I wish to extend my warmest wishes to all Muslims around the world on the occasion of the Holy month of Ramadan.

Thank you.

Statement by a group of un independent expert on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2024; March 15th.

“In proclaiming 15 March the International Day to Combat Islamophobia in 2022, the UN General Assembly called for “strengthened international efforts to foster a global dialogue on the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace at all levels”.

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.

We urge States to ground their responses to all forms of religious hatred, including Islamophobia, in the universal values, principles and legal framework of international human rights.

Orchestrated public burnings of the Holy Qur’an are deplorable. Expressions of religious intolerance engender deep hurt and fear at individual and community levels, and must be condemned.

Where advocacy of religious hatred constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, it must be prohibited by law in accordance with international standards.

During this holy month of Ramadan, we are appalled at the continued refusal by Israel to allow adequate humanitarian assistance and food aid to be provided to the mainly Muslim civilian population in Gaza despite the widespread hunger and signs of severe malnutrition. We are seriously concerned about undue restrictions imposed on access to the Al Aqsa Mosque. These restrictions are particularly alarming, in the context of monumental loss of life and destruction of a significant number of places of worship in Gaza. Cultural property is protected in international humanitarian law during armed conflict since it recognises damage to the cultural property of any people as resulting in damage to the cultural heritage of all mankind.

Physical attacks – including killings, harassment, verbal attacks and death threats – motivated by the perceived religious affiliation of the victims are an unacceptable failure of the State to protect all its citizens in line with its obligations. In too many countries in the lead up to elections, State and non-State actors feed religious tensions and promote discriminatory laws and policies against Muslim minorities to gain political advantage. Recent tensions in relation to the Babri Masjid – now Ram Mandir – are a case in point.

Across the world, we have witnessed attacks on mosques, cultural centres, schools and even private property belonging to Muslims.

States and faith-based actors have human rights responsibilities, and they have to step in to counter such violations, in line with the Rabat Plan of Action. The UN Faith for Rights framework provides concrete implementation guidance, while stakeholders can also use the #Faith4Rights toolkit to encourage respect for religious diversity.

In observing the International Day to Combat Islamophobia this year, 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.”

LIVESTREAM: Commemoration of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2024.

International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2023; March 15th.

 FORUM: ''Call for action to stamp out the poison of anti-Muslim hatred.''.International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2023.

Many Governments have taken steps to combat Islamophobia by establishing anti-hate-crime legislation and measures to prevent and prosecute hate crimes and by conducting public awareness campaigns about Muslims and Islam designed to dispel negative myths and misconceptions. 

Statement by the United Nations Secretary-General's message for the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2023; March 15th.

On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, we focus attention – and call for action – to stamp out the poison of anti-Muslim hatred.

The world’s nearly 2 billion Muslims reflect humanity in all its magnificent diversity.

But they often face bigotry and prejudice for no other reason than their faith.

Beyond structural, institutional discrimination and the wholesale stigmatization of Muslim communities, Muslims suffer personal attacks, hateful rhetoric, and scapegoating.

We see some of the worst impacts in the triple discrimination against Muslim women because of their gender, ethnicity, and faith.

The growing hate that Muslims face is not an isolated development: 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 others.

Discrimination diminishes us all. And it is incumbent on all of us to stand up against it.

We must strengthen our defenses by pushing for policies that fully respect human rights and protect religious and cultural identities.

We must recognize diversity as richness and ramp up political, cultural, and economic investments in social cohesion.

And we must confront bigotry by working to tackle the hate that spreads like wildfire across the internet.

For well over a millennium, Islam’s message of peace, compassion, and grace has inspired people the world over.

Every great faith and tradition summons the imperatives of tolerance, respect, and mutual understanding.

At the heart, we are dealing with universal values: they animate the United Nations Charter and lie at the core of our quest for justice, human rights, and peace.

Today and every day, let us strive to realize these values and counter the forces of division by reaffirming our common humanity.

António Guterres.

OTHER STATEMENTS

Remarks by UNAOC High Representative  at the Special Event Commemorating the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2023.

Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a UN General Assembly High-Level Event on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2023.

CAMPAIGN: No one should have to feel unsafe in their home, place of worship or community.