United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres Saturday expressed concerns over increasing anti-Muslim sentiment worldwide, urging governments and online platforms to take action against xenophobia, discrimination and hate speech.
“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,” Guterres said in a video message marking International Day to Combat Islamophobia on Saturday.
Guterres did not mention any specific countries, but called on governments to foster social cohesion and protect religious freedom, and for online platforms to curb hate speech and harassment.
“When one group is attacked, the rights and freedoms of all are at risk. As a global community, we must reject and eradicate bigotry,” he added.
The UN chief also called on digital platforms to tackle online hate speech, stating, “Online platforms must curb hate speech and harassment. And we must all speak out against bigotry, xenophobia and discrimination.”
International Day to Combat Islamophobia
In 2022, the UN General Assembly agreed for March 15 to be marked as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia in the wake of the 2019 mass shootings in two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand that had killed over 50 people.
The 193-member General Assembly adopted the resolution ‘Measures to combat Islamophobia’, introduced by Pakistan and co-sponsored by China. A total of 115 nations voted in favour, none against and 44 countried abstained including India, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Ukraine and the UK.
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“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,” Guterres said.
(With inputs from Reuters and Arab News)
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