UN Chief warns of rising Anti-Muslim bigotry, urges action |
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced concern over what he described as a “disturbing rise in anti-Muslim bigotry,” calling on governments to uphold religious freedom and urging online platforms to curb hate speech.
Marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia on March 15, Guterres highlighted growing discrimination against Muslim communities worldwide.
“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,” he said in a video message posted on X. “This is part of a wider scourge of intolerance, extremist ideologies and attacks against religious groups and vulnerable populations.”
The UN chief urged governments to “foster social cohesion and protect religious freedom” without naming specific countries. He also called on online platforms to take stronger action against hate speech and harassment.
UN Under-Secretary-General Miguel Angel Moratinos echoed these concerns, noting that Muslims faced “institutional discrimination and socioeconomic restrictions.”
“Such biases are manifested in the stigmatisation 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,” Moratinos told the UN General Assembly.
Growing concerns over Islamophobia
Rights groups and the UN have pointed to a rise in Islamophobia, anti-Arab bias, and anti-Semitism, particularly since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza 17 months ago.
Pro-Palestinian activists in Western nations, including the United States, have reported being accused of supporting Hamas simply for advocating Palestinian rights.
Recent reports indicate a record surge in anti-Muslim hate incidents. A study by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) found that complaints of anti-Muslim and anti-Arab discrimination in the US reached an all-time high in 2023, with 8,658 cases recorded— a 7.4% rise from the previous year.
Similar trends have been reported in the UK, India, and other countries, raising concerns over growing intolerance.
As the UN calls for action, the focus remains on governments and digital platforms to tackle discrimination and protect religious freedoms worldwide.
