Iran envoy voices concerns about rising Islamophobia in Western countries
Iran’s ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, raised concerns over the growing Islamophobia in several Western countries, particularly instances of violence, defamation, and the desecration of Islamic values, shrines, and the Holy Quran under the pretext of freedom of expression.
Speaking at the High-Level Meeting to Commemorate the International Day to Combat Islamophobia on Friday, Iravani urged nations to criminalize and prohibit violence and hatred against religious symbols and holy books through their national laws and to take collective action against Islamophobia.
Reaffirming Iran’s stance, Iravani emphasized the Islamic Republic’s unwavering support for efforts to combat Islamophobia and religious extremism.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its profound concern regarding the extensive network of anti-Muslim campaigns, which includes the utilization of media outlets and social media platforms,” he said.
Iravani warned that these campaigns have “detrimental effects” on Muslims worldwide, particularly for those under foreign occupation or in minority communities.
He also referenced UN General Assembly Resolution 76/254, adopted three years ago, which he said reflects a shared global commitment to tackling Islamophobia.
He noted that last year’s resolution on “measures to combat Islamophobia” further reinforced the urgent need for legislative and policy actions to eliminate Islamophobia in all its forms.
“The resolution underscores the critical need for increased efforts to raise awareness and combat the spread of hate speech, which includes, inter alia, urging the implementation of all necessary measures, such as legislative and policy actions, to combat Islamophobia,” he stated.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also expressed concern over “a disturbing rise in anti-Muslim bigotry,” calling on governments to protect religious freedom and for online platforms to curb hate speech.
Rights groups around the world and the UN have noted a rise in Islamophobia, anti-Arab bias and anti-Semitism since the start of Israel’s 17-month war on Gaza.
“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,” the UN chief said in a video post on X. “This is part of a wider scourge of intolerance, extremist ideologies and attacks against religious groups and vulnerable populations.”