UN Chief Calls for Action Against Anti-Muslim Hatred

António Guterres urges governments to safeguard equality and reject prejudice against Muslims worldwide.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 5:31am

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United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on countries to take responsibility and introduce measures that "safeguard equality, not entrench prejudice" against Muslims. Guterres warned that for many Muslims living as minorities, their daily lives face exclusion, discrimination, and even attacks, driven by anti-Muslim rhetoric, misinformation, and hate. He urged governments, tech companies, and civil society to challenge harmful stereotypes and promote accurate information.

Why it matters

The UN chief's remarks highlight the growing global issue of Islamophobia and the need for concerted action to address discrimination, marginalization, and violence targeting Muslim communities. As the world's Muslim population approaches the end of Ramadan, this call to action underscores the importance of defending the rights and dignity of all people, regardless of their faith.

The details

In his speech marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Guterres said that "millions of Muslims around the world carry that pain" of exclusion, institutional discrimination, and even attacks on mosques. He warned against the "subtle biases" that "shape lives, erode trust, and send a clear message about who is seen as belonging and who is not." The UN leader urged governments to pass legislation and security measures that protect people and respect human rights, rather than "stigmatize entire communities." He also emphasized the responsibility of tech companies to do more to identify, prevent, and address hate speech and harassment online.

  • The International Day to Combat Islamophobia was marked on March 15, 2026.

The players

António Guterres

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, who called for action to combat rising anti-Muslim hatred and discrimination worldwide.

Annalena Baerbock

The President of the United Nations General Assembly, who said that prejudices against Muslims are being amplified by technology and called on governments, institutions, and companies to challenge harmful stereotypes.

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What they’re saying

“Standing up against Islamophobia is not only about defending one religious community. It is about defending our shared humanity.”

— Annalena Baerbock, President of the United Nations General Assembly

“When stereotypes are left unchallenged, they harden into policy. And when fear is allowed to guide decision-making, injustice follows.”

— António Guterres, UN Secretary-General

What’s next

The UN plans to continue its efforts to raise awareness and promote concrete actions to combat Islamophobia and protect the rights of Muslim communities worldwide.

The takeaway

This call to action by the UN leadership underscores the urgent need for a global, coordinated response to address the growing problem of anti-Muslim hatred and discrimination, which threatens the fundamental rights and dignity of millions of people.