António Guterres on Monday warned of a “rising tide of anti-Muslim bigotry and hate” across the world, urging governments, technology companies and individuals to take stronger action to combat discrimination and protect human rights.
Speaking at a high-level event at the United Nations headquarters in New York City marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Guterres said nearly two billion Muslims globally continue to face exclusion, discrimination and violence both online and offline.
“We are facing a rising tide of anti-Muslim bigotry and hate,” he said, warning that for many Muslims, daily life is shaped by exclusion.
Guterres said bias can take overt forms such as institutional discrimination, immigration restrictions, profiling and socioeconomic inequality. However, he added that prejudice often appears in subtler ways, including opportunities quietly denied and suspicions left unchallenged.
“These everyday experiences rarely make the headlines or statistics,” he said. “But over time, they shape lives, erode trust and send a clear message about who is seen as belonging and who is not.”
He also warned that anti-Muslim rhetoric, misinformation and hate speech are amplifying prejudice — particularly when repeated by authority figures.
“When discriminatory narratives are echoed by those in positions of authority, prejudice becomes normalized,” Guterres said. “When stereotypes are left unchallenged, they harden into policy.”
Such trends can lead to harassment, intimidation, vandalism and attacks targeting both individuals and mosques, he added, calling it “an assault on Muslims and on the values that underpin peaceful, inclusive societies.”
Guterres urged governments to ensure laws and security measures protect people without stigmatizing entire communities, while calling on technology companies to take stronger steps to curb online hate.
“Online spaces should bring people together, not drive them apart,” he said.
Last year, the UN chief appointed the head of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations as the UN’s Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia in an effort to strengthen global coordination and partnerships to tackle discrimination.
The United Nations General Assembly established the International Day to Combat Islamophobia in 2022 after Pakistan introduced a resolution on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The measure, co-sponsored by dozens of countries including Saudi Arabia, designated March 15 for the annual observance.
The date marks the anniversary of the Christchurch mosque attacks in New Zealand, when a gunman killed 51 worshippers in a tragedy that drew global condemnation and renewed calls for action against anti-Muslim hatred.
Supporters of the resolution said the observance would help raise global awareness of discrimination against Muslims and encourage international efforts to promote tolerance and religious coexistence.
This year’s event came as Muslims prepare for the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Guterres described the period as a time devoted to solidarity and compassion.
“As Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims around the world reaffirm values that also form the foundation of the UN Charter: empathy for the vulnerable, generosity toward neighbors, and responsibility toward the wider community,” he said.
“On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, let us recommit to the equality, human rights and dignity of every person everywhere — and reject the narratives of fear and exclusion.”
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