United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres (L) and Women activists of Pakistan protesting against islamophobia (R).
New York: Marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia on March 15, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the rising wave of anti-Muslim bigotry worldwide. In a video statement, he condemned racial profiling, discriminatory policies, and violence against Muslims, describing them as part of a broader pattern of intolerance and extremism.
Guterres called on governments to promote social cohesion and protect religious freedom, while urging online platforms to strengthen efforts against hate speech. His concerns were echoed by UN Under-Secretary-General Miguel Angel Moratinos, who warned that institutional discrimination, socioeconomic restrictions, and biased media portrayals continue to fuel the stigmatisation of Muslim communities.
According to rights groups, the Israel-Gaza war, now in its 17th month, has led to a surge in anti-Muslim sentiment, anti-Arab bias, and anti-Semitism worldwide. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) reported 8,658 complaints of anti-Muslim and anti-Arab incidents in 2024, reflecting a 7.4% increase from the previous year. CAIR stated this was the highest number recorded since it began compiling data in 1996.
Reports also indicate a sharp rise in anti-Muslim hate incidents and hate speech in the United Kingdom, the United States, India, and other countries. In several Western nations, pro-Palestinian activists have raised concerns that their advocacy for Palestinian rights is often misrepresented as support for armed groups, leading to further discrimination.
Moratinos noted that "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."
With Islamophobia reaching record levels, the UN continues to push for stronger protections for religious minorities and is calling on world leaders to take decisive action against bigotry, xenophobia, and discrimination.
Guterres urged immediate intervention, stating: "We are witnessing a disturbing rise in anti-Muslim bigotry that is part of a wider scourge of intolerance & attacks against religious groups & vulnerable populations. Online platforms must curb hate speech and harassment. And we must all speak out against bigotry, xenophobia, and discrimination."
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