Remarks by Under-Secretary-General Miguel Ángel Moratinos,
High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC),
at the International Day to Combat Islamophobia
14 March 2025, General Assembly Hall, United Nations, New York
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.