The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, on Monday called on countries to work together to combat a growing wave of anti-Muslim hate, urging a rejection of narratives driven by fear and exclusion.
Guterres made the call in New York at an event marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
As conflicts and instability persist globally, he noted that millions of Muslims continue to bear the burden.
“Let us recommit to equality, human rights and dignity of every person, everywhere,” he said.
The UN chief warned that many Muslims, particularly those living as minorities, face daily challenges shaped by exclusion, institutional discrimination, socioeconomic marginalisation, surveillance and profiling.
With nearly two billion Muslims approaching the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Guterres urged governments to introduce measures that safeguard equality rather than entrench prejudice.
He also highlighted the danger of “subtle biases” that often go unnoticed but significantly impact lives.
“These shape lives, erode trust, and send a clear message about who is seen as belonging and who is not,” he said.
According to him, such biases manifest in denied opportunities, unchallenged assumptions and suspicion, often amplified by misinformation and hate speech.
Guterres warned that when discrimination is echoed by those in authority, it becomes normalised.
“When stereotypes are left unchallenged, they harden into policy. And when fear guides decision-making, injustice follows,” he said.
He stressed that governments have a responsibility to enact laws and security measures that protect people without stigmatising entire communities.
The UN chief also called on technology companies to take greater responsibility, urging them to ensure online platforms promote unity rather than division.
“Online spaces should bring people together, not drive them apart,” he said, adding that more must be done to curb hate speech and harassment.
Guterres emphasised that silence in the face of hatred allows it to spread, urging individuals and institutions to speak out against bigotry, xenophobia and discrimination.
“As Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims around the world reaffirm values that also form the foundation of the UN Charter,” he said, noting that such principles should guide global responses to division and hate.
Also speaking at the event, the President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, said prejudice is being amplified in the digital age.
Baerbock noted that while technology is meant to foster connection, it is increasingly accelerating the spread of misinformation and bias.
She said the consequences include harassment, intimidation, vandalism and attacks on individuals and mosques, describing such acts as an assault on the values of inclusive societies.
“Standing up against Islamophobia is not only about defending one religious community. It is about defending our shared humanity,” she said.
Baerbock urged governments, international organisations, technology firms and civil society to take proactive steps to challenge harmful stereotypes and promote accurate information.