Anti-Muslim hate crimes and other forms of bigotry are on the rise, the UN Secretary-General warned in a video message for the High-Level forum aimed at tackling this challenge.
Hosted by the UN, the US, Canada, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the European Union, the day-long event brings together government, civil society and private sector representatives.
Xenophobia, racism and antisemitism are also on the rise, António Guterres warned.
Jocelyne Sambira has the story.
In times of insecurity, communities that look different become convenient scapegoats, UN Secretary-General António Guterres recalled.
Discrimination diminishes everyone and it prevents people and societies from achieving their potential, he noted.
He urged people to see diversity as a richness and not as a threat.
“As societies become ever more multi-ethnic and multi-religious, we need political, cultural and economic investments in cohesion, so that diversity is rightly seen as a richness, not a threat. The United Nations is launching an effort to promote respect, safety and dignity for all. We call it the Together campaign. Together, let us stand up against bigotry and for human rights.Together, let us build bridges.Together, let us transform fear into hope. For our Muslim brothers and sisters – and for all humanity.”
The campaign seeks to promote respect, safety and dignity for all.
Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations
