UN Secretary General António Guterres warned of a “disturbing rise” in anti-Muslim bigotry in a speech Friday commemorating the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

In his statement, Guterres urged the world to reject xenophobia and discrimination amid a troubling surge in anti-Muslim sentiments. He warned that governments are employing racial profiling and discriminatory policies that undermine human rights, stating that when one group is attacked, “the rights and freedoms of all are at risk”. Guterres called on governments to promote social cohesion and protect religious liberties while urging online platforms to combat hate speech. The statement specifically mentioned the unjust portrayal of Muslim women as oppressed by their religion.

In a separate report, UN experts also expressed serious concern over anti-Muslim hatred. They highlighted and condemned public burnings of the Qur’an, Israel’s refusal to allow humanitarian assistance to Muslim citizens in Gaza, and physical attacks committed by state and non-state actors.

The UN General Assembly echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the interconnectedness of Islamophobia with broader issues of intolerance and hate. Leaders underscored the necessity of fostering inclusive societies where diversity is celebrated, ensuring that all individuals can coexist peacefully, regardless of their faith.

The UN established the International Day to Combat Islamophobia in 2022, recognizing a “deep concern” over the rise in instances of discrimination, intolerance, and violence directed against members of religions. The day has since been commemorated internationally. The EU also issued a statement, calling for all states to respect the universality of human rights. Last year, the US Mission to the UN particularly highlighted religiously motivated violence in Sudan, Gaza, China and Myanmar, arguing that the abuses of Uyghur and Rohingya Muslims could amount to crimes against humanity.