(March 15, 2025) – Governments, rights groups, and global institutions are marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, warning of a surge in anti-Muslim hate crimes and discrimination. The United Nations, which established the observance in 2022 following efforts led by Pakistan and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), says Islamophobia is fueling racial profiling, online hate speech, and violence against Muslim communities worldwide.
The day, designated after the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, has become a rallying point for calls to address growing intolerance. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the rise in anti-Muslim bigotry is “deeply alarming” and urged social media platforms and policymakers to take stronger action.
Growing Concerns Over Rising Anti-Muslim Bigotry
Speaking on the occasion, UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the rise in anti-Muslim sentiment, emphasizing the need for concrete measures to tackle hate crimes and discrimination.
“We are witnessing a disturbing rise in anti-Muslim bigotry. From racial profiling and discriminatory policies that violate human rights and dignity to outright violence against individuals and places of worship,” he said. “Online platforms must curb hate speech and harassment. And we must all speak out against bigotry, xenophobia, and discrimination.”
Marion Lalisse, the European Commission’s coordinator on combating anti-Muslim hatred, warned that Islamophobia in Europe continues to grow due to a lack of political will to address the issue. In an interview with Hyphen, she pointed out that nearly one in two European Muslims face discrimination in their daily lives.
Abdassamad El Yazidi, chairman of the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, highlighted that Islamophobia has become “acceptable” in parts of European society.
“No religion is labeled more negatively in the German parliament than Islam,” he said, adding, “Some sectors of society do not applaud Islamophobia, yet there are no loud objections either. This is the real problem.”
Pakistan’s Role in Combating Islamophobia
As the driving force behind the UN resolution, Pakistan has continued to push for global action against Islamophobia. The country’s leader reaffirmed the urgency of addressing anti-Muslim discrimination, calling for stronger legal and policy measures.
“March 15 not only serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of the challenges being faced by Muslims worldwide but also as a powerful call to action, reflecting the collective will of the international community to combat Islamophobia,” he said.
Pakistan has consistently criticized what it describes as Western double standards on free speech, particularly regarding blasphemy laws and the desecration of Islamic symbols. The government has urged global institutions to take diplomatic and legal measures to protect Muslim minorities from discrimination.
Islamophobia Reaches Record Levels in the U.S.
Anti-Muslim and anti-Arab hate incidents in the United States reached record levels in 2024, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). The advocacy group documented 8,658 cases of discrimination, marking the highest level of Islamophobic incidents since 1996. The surge coincided with the escalation of the Israel-Gaza war, with reports of targeted attacks, workplace discrimination, and verbal abuse against Muslims and Arabs.
International Observance and Calls for Stronger Measures
A senior UN General Assembly official linked Islamophobia to the rise of ethno-nationalism, neo-Nazi movements, and white supremacist ideologies.
“Discrimination against Muslims is not an isolated pattern,” he stated, calling for a broader fight against all forms of religious intolerance.
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) also stressed the need for governments and digital platforms to combat hate speech and protect religious minorities.
“People everywhere must be allowed to observe and practice their faith peacefully without fear. All places of worship and contemplation should be safe havens, not sites of terror or bloodshed.”
Iran Condemns Islamophobia and Aggression Against Palestinians
Iran also marked the occasion, with a senior official expressing solidarity with global efforts to combat Islamophobia. During a joint meeting organized by the UN and the OIC, the Iranian representative praised Pakistan’s leadership on the issue and highlighted concerns over growing anti-Muslim rhetoric in Europe.
“Today’s meeting shows the serious determination of those present to address the issue of Islamophobia, including hatred, discrimination, terrorist attacks, and violence against Muslims and their religious principles, beliefs, and rituals.”
He also condemned the ongoing aggression against Palestinians, arguing that the misuse of free speech is being used to justify anti-Muslim sentiment in Europe.
Also See: From Kingship to Mosque: Political Theology in the Islamic World
Looking Ahead: A Global Responsibility
The International Day to Combat Islamophobia serves as a reminder that anti-Muslim discrimination remains a pressing global challenge. As leaders and advocacy groups call for action, the focus remains on stronger legal protections, policy measures, and digital regulations to counter rising Islamophobia worldwide.
