Islamophobia has spread like an epidemic: UN

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that hatred and discrimination against Muslims has spread "in proportion to the epidemic" in the world.  He made the remarks in a statement issued on Wednesday on the occasion of International Islamophobia Day.

The UN Secretary-General said the resurgence of anti-Muslim bigotry must be in line with the unhealthy trends we see around the world.

 According to him, ethnic nationalism, neo-fascism, stigma and hate speech are attacking Muslims as well as vulnerable people like Jews and some Christian minorities.

 “Minority communities are part of the richness of our cultural and social structure,” Guterres said.  Yet we see not only discrimination, but also attempts to erase the cultural and religious identities of minorities.

He said that the Holy Qur'an reminds us: All nations and tribes were created to know each other.  So diversity is Aishwarya, it is not a threat.

 At least 51 people were killed and 49 injured in a terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, on March 15, 2019.  To commemorate that day, March 15 has been declared the International Day for Combating Islamophobia.  This year the day is being celebrated for the first time.

 Source: Anadolu Agency