The Secretary-General: Message for the International Day to Combat Islamophobia

For information only - not an official document

UNIS/SGSM/1572
13 March 2026

The Secretary-General

15 March 2026

The world's 2 billion Muslims hail from all corners of the globe, reflecting the vast diversity of humanity itself.

Yet they often face institutional discrimination, socio-economic exclusion, biased immigration policies, and unwarranted surveillance and profiling.

These worrying trends are fuelled by anti-Muslim rhetoric and outright hate, which can lead to harassment and violence against individuals and places of worship.

Governments must take concrete steps to address hate speech, protect religious freedom and combat discrimination, including by ensuring full compliance with international human rights law.

Online platforms must work to wipe out hate speech and harassment against people based on their religion or belief.

And all people need to speak out against bigotry, xenophobia and discrimination wherever they find it.

That's why I appointed in May 2025 the High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations as the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia to enhance our collective response.

On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, let's re-commit to the equality, human rights and dignity of every person, no matter their faith.

Let's eradicate the scourge of Islamophobia from every country and community.

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