Guterres: Intolerance against Muslims is increasing at an alarming rate
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called on online platforms to curb the spread of hatred and persecution, noting that "intolerance towards Muslims is growing at alarming rates" around the world.
His video message was released on the eve of the International Day against Islamophobia, which is recognized by the UN on March 15.
In his address, Guterres, without naming any specific country or government, highlighted the growing hatred and discrimination against Muslims, which he said ranged from racial stigmatization and human rights violations to the prevention of Muslims from freely practicing their religion and violence against their places of worship.
He added: "Online platforms must curb hate and harassment. We must all stand together against intolerance, xenophobia and discrimination."
In recent weeks, human rights groups have reported record increases in hate crimes and Islamophobic rhetoric in the UK, US, India and other countries, and have stressed that governments in these countries are cracking down on all forms of discrimination.
Global human rights organizations and the UN have reported a sharp increase in Islamophobia, anti-Arab bias, and anti-Semitism since Israel's devastating military operation in the Gaza Strip.
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