UN chief warns of Islamophobia surge on International Day

The International Day to Combat Islamophobia takes place against the backdrop of a growing tide of anti-Muslim hate and bigotry in many parts of the world, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said.

In a statement issued to address the UN-designated anti-Islamophobia day, observed on Friday, Guterres said the human rights and dignity of Muslims are in jeopardy due to various barriers including institutional discrimination.

The observation follows the unanimous adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution in 2022 that proclaimed March 15 as such an international day, calling for global dialogue that promotes tolerance, peace and respect for human rights and religious diversity.

The annually observed day commemorates the anniversary of the Christchurch mosque shootings, an incident that resulted in 51 deaths during Friday prayers.

"Divisive rhetoric and misrepresentation are stigmatizing communities," the UN chief said, adding that "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," he said.

An ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas since October has further fueled anti-Islam bigotry, particularly in the West, where an upsurge of online and offline hate speech, threats and violence have been directed against Muslim communities. 

In the UK, Islamophobia cases between October 7 and February 7 more than tripled the amount recorded in the same period the year before, documenting 2,010 such incidents, according to Tell Mama, a charity that monitors anti-Muslim hate crime.

"Negative stereotypes and acts of intolerance and discrimination against Muslims have increased in recent years, making it all the more important to take urgent action and ensure we avoid stigmatization or inflammatory rhetoric," said Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Director Matteo Mecacci.

"At the same time, we are encouraged by the growing recognition that more dialogue and understanding are needed. I am convinced this must remain a crucial contribution to successfully counter prejudice and anti-Muslim hatred," Mecacci added.

Guterres also called for confronting and rooting 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," he said.

(Cover: Muslim devotees offer the first Friday prayers of Islam's holy fasting month of Ramadan in Karachi, Pakistan, on March 15, 2024. /CFP)