Guterres: Muslims worldwide are victims of discrimination

(Patria) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Sunday that Muslims around the world continue to face discrimination and exclusion, and called on governments and societies to take stronger measures in the fight against Islamophobia.

In a video message posted on social media platform X, on the occasion of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Guterres said that approximately two billion Muslims in the world come from different regions and cultures, but often encounter institutional discrimination and social barriers.

He stressed that Muslims often face "socio-economic exclusion, biased immigration policies, and unwarranted surveillance and profiling," warning that such phenomena are fueled by anti-Muslim rhetoric and hate speech.

Guterres emphasized that the spread of hate speech can lead to harassment and violence against individuals and religious sites.

Calling for action, the UN chief urged governments to take concrete steps to combat hate speech, protect religious freedom, and ensure respect for international human rights law.

Muslims worldwide often face institutional discrimination, socio-economic exclusion, biased immigration policies & unwarranted surveillance & profiling.

This International Day to Combat Islamophobia, let’s re-commit to the equality, human rights & dignity of every person, no… pic.twitter.com/UCJ6WhvtSw

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) March 15, 2026

He added that online platforms must work to remove harassment and hate speech targeting individuals because of their religion or belief, and encouraged people to publicly speak out against intolerance, xenophobia, and discrimination.

Guterres recalled that in May 2025, he appointed the High Representative of the UN Alliance of Civilizations as Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia, in order to strengthen the global response to this issue.

- On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, let us recommit to the equality, human rights, and dignity of every person, regardless of their faith. Let us eradicate the scourge of Islamophobia from every country and every community - he said.

Fifty-one people were killed and 40 were injured in a terrorist attack on March 15, 2019, at the Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre in New Zealand.

The UN General Assembly in 2022 adopted by consensus a resolution declaring March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.