India Tomorrow
NEW DELHI—UN Secretary-General António Guterres has reminded the world that Muslims face institutional discrimination, barriers and violations of their human rights and dignity.
In his message on ‘International Day to Combat Islamophobia’ he said, “Divisive rhetoric and misrepresentation are stigmatizing communities. Online hate speech is fueling real-life violence.” He called it a vicious plague.
He appealed to the world to unite against Islamophobia. He said that the world is infected by a ‘vicious plague that represents a complete denial and ignorance of Islam and Muslims, and their undeniable contributions’.
Guterres was addressing the UN General Assembly (UNGA) gathered to commemorate the ‘International Day to Combat Islamophobia’ on March 15. This day is observed every year on March 15 after a UN General Assembly resolution passed in 2022.
The UN General Assembly on March 15, 2024 passed another resolution that called upon the world to unite against rampant Islamophobia. One hundred and fifteen nations voted in favour of it and none against it but forty-four nations abstained including India, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Ukraine and the UK.
The resolution to observe March 15 as International Day to Combat Islamophobia was adopted in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. Fifty-one people had been killed in those attacks on March 15, 2019.
His speech seems quite contextualized in Indian conditions also. Guterres did not name any but said, “Some are shamefully exploiting anti-Muslim hate and exclusionary policies for political gain. We must call it what it is- hate; plain and simple.”
He said, “Around the world, we see a rising tide of anti-Muslim hate and bigotry. That can come in many forms. Structural and systemic discrimination, socio-economic exclusion, unequal immigration policies and unwarranted surveillance and profiling, restrictions in accessing citizenship, education, employment and justice.”
He continued, “These and other institutional barriers violate our shared commitment to human rights and dignity. They also perpetuate a vicious cycle of exclusion, poverty and disenfranchisement that echoes across generations.”
“The purveyors of hate speech are misusing the most powerful megaphone in history to amplify and spread their despicable ideologies – Social Media”, he added.
“Today’s event shines a light on a vicious plague that represents a complete denial and ignorance of Islam and Muslims and their undeniable contributions: The plague of Islamophobia,” Guterres pointed out.
“Hatred of one group fuels hatred of another. Hate normalizes hate. Hate destroys the fabric of our societies. And hate undermines the equality, understanding and respect for human rights upon which a peaceful future — and a peaceful world — depend,” UN secretary general said.
“Divisive rhetoric and misrepresentation are propagating stereotypes, stigmatizing communities and creating an environment of misunderstanding and suspicion. This can lead to an increase in harassment and even outright violence against Muslims — rising accounts of which are being reported by civil society groups in countries around the world. Some are shamefully exploiting anti-Muslim hate and exclusionary policies for political gain. We must call this what it is. Hate. Plain and simple,” the UN leader highlighted the prejudice against Islam and Muslims that is currently prevalent globally.
The UN chief asserted, “We cannot stand on the sidelines while hatred and bigotry run wild. Today’s event reminds us that we all have a responsibility to confront and root out the scourge of anti-Muslim bigotry. Political leaders must lead the way, and foster social cohesion, not fear. Governments must condemn inflammatory discourse and safeguard religious freedom — in particular for minorities. And I am grateful to religious leaders who are working together to promote interfaith dialogue.”
“Digital platforms must moderate and prevent the spread of hateful content, while protecting users from harassment. Artificial intelligence must reduce biases and stereotypes, not reproduce and amplify them,” Guetrres advised.
“And all of us must do our part to dismantle the walls of intolerance and division. In cities, towns and villages. In schools, in the street, and online. Everywhere and anywhere. Let’s all pledge to call out anti-Muslim bigotry, no matter where we see or hear it. Muslims hail from all countries, cultures and walks of life. They represent the wonderful diversity of the human family,” the UN chief appealed to the governments all over the world.
He appealed “to stand in solidarity with Muslims from around the world — in this Holy Month of Ramadan and every day.”
“In the spirit of Ramadan, I have called for a silencing of the guns in Gaza and Sudan. Today, at this important event, I call on all political, religious and community leaders — everyone, everywhere — to join our plea. It’s time for peace,” Guterres said.
He said that for nearly 2 billion Muslims across the world, Islam is a pillar of faith and worship uniting people in every corner of the globe. And let us remember that it is also a pillar of our shared history.
Guterres appealed people world over to promote empathy and invest in social cohesion — by embracing diversity as a strength rather than a source of division.
Listing the contributions of the iconic Muslim and Islamic figures, he said, “Muslims have been an important source of culture, philosophy, scholarship and science for centuries.”
He underlined, “For nearly two billion Muslims across the world, Islam is a pillar of faith and worship uniting people in every corner of the globe. And let us remember that it is also a pillar of our shared history.”
He referred to “the countless contributions of Muslims across every field — from science, technology and medicine, to literature, art, music and architecture.”
Guterres mentioned the names of Avicenna (Ibn Sina), Al-Khwarizmi and Averroe (Ibn Rushd). He said, “From the enormous influence of Avicenna, the great Physician and Philosopher whose interpretations of Plato and Aristotle helped shape the development of Western European philosophy. To the Muslim Mathematician and Astronomer Al-Khwarizmi, responsible for delivering Hindu-Arabic numerals and the father of algebra. To the ‘Father of Rationalism’, Averroes, whose ground-breaking commentaries bridged Islamic and Western thought.”
