UN moves to end Islamophobia

United Nations (UN) Secretary General, António Guterres, said nearly two billion Muslims worldwide reflect humanity in all its diversity, yet they often face bigotry and prejudice because of their faith.

In his message to commemorate the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Guterres also noted that Muslim women also suffer triple discrimination because of their gender, faith and ethnicity.

According to the UN scribe, the growing hate Muslims face is not an isolated development, adding that discrimination diminishes all; hence, it is incumbent on all to stand up against it.

He further highlighted measures put up by the UN such as Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites and called for ramping up of political, cultural and economic investments in social cohesion.

“It is an inexorable part of the resurgence of ethno-nationalism, neo-Nazi white supremacist ideologies and violence targeting vulnerable populations, including Muslims, Jews and some minority Christian communities

“We must confront bigotry wherever and whenever it rears its ugly head. This includes working to tackle the hate that spreads like wildfire across the Internet,” he added.

He noted the UN’s collaboration with governments, technology companies and the media to set up guardrails and enforce them.