United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on governments and societies worldwide to take stronger measures against Islamophobia. In a video message posted on social media platform X to mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, he said Muslims across the world face discrimination and exclusion. Guterres noted that nearly two billion Muslims come from diverse regions and cultures but often encounter institutional bias and social barriers.

He warned that Muslims are frequently subjected to socio-economic exclusion, biased immigration policies, and unjustified surveillance, adding that anti-Muslim rhetoric fuels these trends. The UN chief urged governments to counter hate speech, safeguard religious freedom, and uphold international human rights law. He also called on online platforms to protect individuals from harassment and hate speech based on religion or belief.

Guterres concluded by urging renewed commitment to equality, human rights, and dignity for all, regardless of faith, and called for the elimination of Islamophobia from every country and community. The UN General Assembly had unanimously declared March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia in 2022.