Guterres: We Must Confront Intolerance Wherever It Exists

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a message on the "International Day to Combat Islamophobia," calling for action to eliminate the poison of this hatred. He noted that "Muslims, who number around two billion globally, represent humanity in all its splendid diversity, yet they frequently face intolerance and prejudice simply because of their faith. Beyond structural, institutional discrimination and the widespread stigmatization of Muslim communities, Muslims suffer personal attacks and hate speech and are blamed for everything. We see some of the worst consequences manifesting in discrimination against Muslim women on three fronts: due to their gender, race, and faith." He added, "The rising hatred faced by Muslims is not an isolated development, but rather part of the resurgence of ethnic nationalism and the ideologies of neo-Nazis who believe in white supremacy, along with violence targeting vulnerable populations, including Muslims, Jews, and certain Christian minorities, among others." He emphasized that "the message of Islam, which embodies peace, compassion, and kindness, has inspired people around the world for over a thousand years, and all great religions and cultures advocate for values of tolerance, respect, and harmony."