Nigerian Muslims, others should be protected against Islamophobia – UN chief

Nigerian Muslims, others should be protected against Islamophobia – UN chief

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has called on governments, institutions and communities across the world to intensify efforts to combat Islamophobia and protect Muslims from discrimination, hostility and violence.

Guterres warned that growing prejudice against Muslims threatens social cohesion, human rights and peaceful coexistence, stressing that intolerance against any group undermines the foundations of inclusive societies.

He made the appeal in a message marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, observed annually on March 15.

According to the UN chief, the world’s nearly two billion Muslims come from diverse cultures, languages and traditions, reflecting the richness and diversity of humanity.

He noted that Muslim communities contribute significantly to global development through education, commerce, science, culture and public service in many countries.

However, Guterres said many Muslims still face institutional discrimination, socio-economic exclusion, biased immigration policies and unwarranted surveillance and profiling.

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“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,” he said.

The UN chief warned that unchecked hate speech, misinformation and stereotypes could deepen divisions and threaten peaceful coexistence among different faiths and cultures.

He urged governments worldwide to take concrete steps to address religious discrimination, protect freedom of belief, and combat hate speech in line with international human rights law.

According to him, national laws and policies must guarantee equal rights and protection for everyone regardless of religion, belief, ethnicity or background.

Guterres also called on technology companies and online platforms to strengthen their response to digital hate campaigns targeting religious communities.

He said social media companies must act responsibly by removing harmful content and preventing harassment based on religion or belief.

“All people must speak out against bigotry, xenophobia and discrimination wherever they find it,” he said, warning that silence in the face of hate allows prejudice to spread and undermines collective efforts to build tolerant societies.

The UN chief further recalled that in May 2025 he appointed Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, as the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.

According to him, the envoy’s role is to strengthen global cooperation and coordinate international efforts aimed at addressing anti-Muslim discrimination and promoting religious tolerance worldwide.

Guterres said the UN has also launched several initiatives, including the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, to tackle online incitement, misinformation and hostility directed at religious communities.

“On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, let us recommit to equality, human rights and dignity for every person, regardless of faith,” he said.

“Let us eradicate the scourge of Islamophobia from every country and community.”

Nigerian Muslims, others should be protected against Islamophobia – UN chief