Director-General's remarks at the Commemoration of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia

Commemoration of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia

Friday, 15 March 2024, at 11.00 a.m. 

Room XXVI, Palais des Nations 

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to the Palais des Nation for the commemoration of the second edition of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. We are gathered here today to promote the common values of respect, tolerance, and interfaith harmony. 

I wish to sincerely thank Her Excellency Ambassador Baghli and the Permanent Delegation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for organizing this event in Geneva.

Let me also extend my warmest wishes as millions of Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan that symbolizes solidarity, reconciliation and benevolence. It serves as a time for introspection and spiritual connection, fostering unity and support among communities. Let me join the UN Secretary-General in his call to ‘make this holy period a time for empathy, action and peace’.

In 2022, the UN General Assembly designated 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, reflecting its profound concern regarding the increasing incidents of discrimination, intolerance, and violence against various religious groups worldwide. These include instances motivated by Islamophobia, antisemitism, Christianophobia, and biases against individuals of other faiths or beliefs.

The persistent rise in hatred, discrimination, and violence against Muslims globally, exacerbated by the developments in the Middle East, underscores the severity of these challenges.

Religiously motivated attacks, online and offline hate speech, discrimination, exclusion, and the propagation of Islamophobic narratives and stereotypes have profound and devastating effects on Muslim communities worldwide. 

The rise of Islamophobia is not a challenge of one particular region or country. It is a global issue that requires a global response. Leaders from countries, corporations, political parties, religious and civil organizations must speak out against all forms of hate and abuse targeting vulnerable populations.  In this context, the declaration “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” – co-authored by His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El Tayeb – is a model for compassion and human solidarity.

The United Nations is committed to continue working with partners to combat Islamophobia across the world.   

In this regard, let me highlight relevant UN policy frameworks:

Our Common Agenda embodies the principles of equality and non-discrimination at its core. It holds a steadfast commitment to leave no one behind and reach those furthest behind first. With dedicated goals on combating discrimination and inequalities, it encompasses a cross-cutting commitment to data disaggregation.

The UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech provides a framework for our support to Member States to counter this scourge while respecting freedom of opinion and expression.

The UN Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites provides comprehensive recommendations to support governments so that all can enjoy their right to observe religious rituals in safety. 

The UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism recognizes the role that discrimination and marginalization can play in fueling extremism, and emphasizes the need to promote tolerance, respect and understanding among different communities. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

International Geneva plays a crucial role in countering Islamophobia and intolerance. Its diversity of actors, expertise, and innovative solutions are highly effective in shaping a comprehensive approach to global action on peace, humanitarian efforts, human rights, health, technology, and sustainable development.

Today’s event provides a welcome opportunity to raise awareness about Islamophobia, and to renew our commitment to eliminate it through concrete collective actions. Let us join our efforts for greater solidarity, tolerance, respect, and mutual understanding.

Thank you.