The International Day to combat Islamophobia has been marked by an event organised jointly by the permanent observer mission of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to the United Nations in New York, the United Nations Alliance of civilizations, and the United Nations Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia. The event, which was held in the United Nations General Assembly hall, took place, as noted by participants, at a time of heightened tensions globally.
The Special Representative of the Council of Europe Secretary General on antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, and all forms of religious intolerance, Irene Kitsou-Milonas, represented the Council of Europe. Among the significant speakers present were opening speeches by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock, Secretary-General of the OIC Hissein Brahim Taha, Permanent Representative of Türkiye to UN and Chair of the OIC Group, and UN Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia Miguel Ángel Moratinos, who reminded the participants of their shared duty:
"The International Day to combat Islamophobia is therefore 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."
Highlighting the problem of anti-Muslim hatred
The history of this particular day goes back to 2022, when the United Nations General Assembly declared March 15 as the "International Day to combat Islamophobia". The purpose was to promote dialogue, raise awareness, and encourage a shared commitment to mutual respect.
In May 2025, the United Nations Secretary-General appointed Miguel Ángel Moratinos as Special Envoy in this area.
Rights and responsibilities in the context of incitement
Events continued with a meeting organised by the Office of the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the United Nations Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia. Two panels focused on the balance between freedom of expression and the prohibition of incitement to hatred, and on the existing institutional frameworks and national strategies addressing discrimination based on religion or belief.
Among those who contributed in the second panel were Ambassador Evren Dağdelen Akgün, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims, and the special envoys of Sweden, Christian Kamill and Australia, Aftab Malik, who exchanged on agreed international human-rights frameworks, national and regional good practices, preventive approaches and different levels of strengthened cooperation.
Irene Kitsou-Milonas stressed that beyond the implementation of the solid Council of Europe legal framework to combat anti-Muslim hatred and racism, necessary additional measures should be carefully discussed to meaningfully contribute to "living together" and respond to all forms of religious intolerance.
