Actions Should be Taken Against Islamophobia, Says UN Chief

The United Nations observed March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, aimed at taking serious actions in the face of rising hatred, discrimination, and violence against Muslims.

António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, on Wednesday said on Twitter, “discrimination diminishes us all, we must stand up against it”. He further added that today and every day, we must counter the forces of division by reaffirming our common humanity.

Last year, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a unanimous resolution submitted by Pakistan on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) deeming this day as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

According to the UN reports, in countries where they represent a minority, Muslims often face discrimination in accessing goods and services, finding work, and education. It is also stated that in some countries Muslims are denied citizenship or legal immigration status due to the misperceptions of foreigners that Muslims represent a threat to national security.

Worst of all Muslim women face immense discrimination against their religious beliefs in the workplace, university, or other social environments.

According to some Islamic scholars, Islamophobia has become a worldwide issue that needs to be recognized by the United Nations, and should to talked about to find solutions.

Last week, the Turkish ambassador to the UN said that Islamophobia has become a “major threat to democracy” and desecration of the holy Quran and mosques is “on the rise”.

The threats posed to the international community by religious extremists, and terror groups including Al-Qaeda and ISIS has nothing to do with the Muslim world. However, the wrong perception the world has of terrorists has tarnished the image of Islam and given birth to Islamophobia.

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