Global Leaders Convene at UN to Tackle Rising Anti-Muslim Hatred

The International Day to Combat Islamophobia was officially declared by the UN General Assembly in 2022, designated for March 15 annually.

RMN News Human Rights Desk
New Delhi | March 19, 2026

NEW YORK – In a significant show of international cooperation, the Council of Europe joined forces with the United Nations and other global organizations this week to address the escalating issue of anti-Muslim hatred. The high-level event, held at the United Nations General Assembly hall, marked the International Day to Combat Islamophobia amidst what participants described as a period of “heightened tensions globally”.

The gathering was jointly organized by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), the UN Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia, and the permanent observer mission of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

A Unified Call to Action

Leading the discourse, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock delivered opening remarks emphasizing the urgency of the issue. They were joined by OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha and UN Special Envoy Miguel Ángel Moratinos, who reminded attendees that the day is more than a symbolic observance.

“It is a reminder of our shared responsibility to stand firmly against hatred, discrimination, and exclusion in all their forms,” Moratinos stated.

Representing the Council of Europe, Irene Kitsou-Milonas, Special Representative on antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, and religious intolerance, stressed the need to go beyond existing legal frameworks. While noting the Council’s solid legal standards, she argued that “additional measures should be carefully discussed to meaningfully contribute to ‘living together’” and to effectively respond to all forms of religious intolerance.

Balancing Rights and Combatting Incitement

The event featured specialized panels that tackled the complex intersection of human rights and religious protection. Experts and diplomats, including representatives from Sweden and Australia, debated the balance between freedom of expression and the prohibition of incitement to hatred.

Discussions also focused on existing institutional frameworks and national strategies designed to address discrimination based on religion or belief. Ambassador Evren Dağdelen Akgün, representing the OSCE, contributed insights on international human-rights frameworks and regional good practices for preventive approaches.

History of the Observance

The International Day to Combat Islamophobia was officially declared by the UN General Assembly in 2022, designated for March 15 annually. Its core mission is to promote dialogue, raise awareness, and foster a global commitment to mutual respect. The momentum for this cause grew in May 2025 with the appointment of Miguel Ángel Moratinos as the first Special Envoy dedicated to this area.

As global tensions persist, the Council of Europe’s participation underscores a renewed European commitment to strengthening international cooperation and fostering inclusive societies.