UN Official Addresses Islamophobia at OIC Foreign Ministers Meeting

On June 21, 2025, at the 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers held in Istanbul, Under-Secretary-General Miguel Ángel Moratinos delivered a significant address in his dual role as the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia. The session, which took place against a backdrop of increasing instances of Islamophobia worldwide, highlighted urgent calls for collaboration among member states to address discrimination against Muslims.

In his remarks, Moratinos emphasized the "discrimination and persistent dehumanizing" faced by Muslims globally, stressing that such biases manifest as institutional discrimination and socio-economic restrictions. He noted that these issues are often exacerbated by biased media portrayals and anti-Muslim rhetoric from certain political leaders. According to Moratinos, many acts of intolerance may not be reflected in official statistics, yet they significantly impact individuals' dignity and humanity.

The adoption of General Assembly Resolution 78/264 in 2024, which focuses on measures to combat Islamophobia, was described by Moratinos as a milestone in collective efforts against this growing challenge. He stated, "Islamophobia is not merely a matter of prejudice—it is a violation of human rights, a threat to social cohesion, and an affront to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter."

Moratinos cited the pervasive nature of Islamophobia, where it manifests both in overt violence and more subtle forms of exclusion, such as employment discrimination against Muslim women wearing headscarves and bullying of children in schools. He pointed out that online platforms have increasingly become fertile grounds for anti-Muslim narratives, often driven by algorithms that amplify hatred.

He articulated a vision for a global solution, emphasizing the need for interreligious and intercultural dialogue as outlined in Resolution 78/264. "The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations stands ready to deepen partnerships that promote mutual respect, coexistence, and understanding across faiths, cultures, and sectors," Moratinos asserted.

In his capacity as Special Envoy, Moratinos outlined a comprehensive strategy to combat Islamophobia that includes supporting national action plans, encouraging responsible media practices to counter hate speech, and developing a resource hub to document incidents of Islamophobia. He also plans to convene a high-level event at the UN headquarters in 2026 to address Islamophobia, bringing together member states, civil society, religious leaders, and media.

Moratinos concluded his address with a powerful message: combating Islamophobia is not solely the responsibility of Muslims; it is a global imperative that requires political will, moral courage, and sustained multilateral cooperation. He stated, "The dehumanization of Islam in Europe is neither acceptable nor justifiable. Two billion people have the right to live in peace and dignity free of fear and injustice."

This address underlines the urgency of addressing Islamophobia and fostering a global environment where diversity is celebrated, and all individuals can practice their faith without fear. The implications of these discussions are significant, as they not only reflect on the current state of international relations and socio-political dynamics but also set the stage for future initiatives aimed at promoting peace and understanding across cultures.