High Level Event to Commemorate the International Day to Combat Islamophobia

Anyhow, they will catch your address. Distinguished delegates, please take your seats.

Mr. Secretary General, madam President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, distinguished participants, I am pleased to welcome you all to this high level event in commemoration of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. This meeting is the fourth edition of this annual international event on Islamophobia. Following the adoption of the landmark resolution of the UN General assembly number 76254 of 15 March 2022.

Allow me first to extend our deepest appreciation to Madam President for placing the General assembly hall at disposal for the organization of this important event. We are also deeply grateful to Mr. Secretary General and Madam President for gracing the event with their presence.

We also would like to express our sincere appreciation to the United nations alliance of Civilizations and the OIC Observer Mission to the United nations for their dedicated efforts in organizing both the General assembly event and the High level event to be held this afternoon. And we are grateful to The High Representative, Mr. Morotinos, for his steady commitment to fighting Islamophobia and enforcing global peace and understanding. As the OIC Chair, we have endeavored to provide the necessary support in every way throughout this process.

Now I would like to deliver my opening statement in our national capacity as well as the Chair of of this meeting. Mr. Secretary General. Madam President, Distinguished colleagues. Across many regions today, hate crimes, racism, xenophobia and hostility against Islam have reached alarming levels. Such acts contradict the fundamental principles of human dignity, equality, human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Beyond the direct harm inflicted on the targeted communities, they undermine social cohesion and pose a threat to democratic values, public order and peaceful coexistence. Islamophobia continues to spread like an unchecked plague, poisoning all layers of society. Muslims across the world are increasingly exposed to hate speech, harassment attacks and insults directed at their beliefs and sacred values. Islamophobia is not a matter of legitimate criticism or intellectual debate. It is the expression of prejudice, discrimination and intolerance that violates the fundamental rights and dignity of Muslims.

In this context, today's meeting offers an important opportunity to reaffirm our collective determination to combat all forms of religious hatred and to strengthen a culture of respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence. Mr. Secretary General, Madam President, developments in Gaza and recent broader regional escalation have contributed to one of the most profound crises the international community has faced in decades. Humanitarian and geopolitical consequences of these conflicts are devastating and continue to affect innocent civilians. At the same time, we observe with deep concern that this crisis are also fueling an alarming rise in the mid in anti Muslim rhetoric, Muslims are increasingly portrayed as outsiders, cultural threats or security risks. Such narratives contribute to the dangerous normalization of prejudice in public discourse and, even worse, to the dehumanization of the Muslims, as in the case of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

Recent examples illustrate how rapidly such discourse can spread and gain traction online, reaching millions of viewers and normalizing hostility against Muslims. On the other hand, equally troubling is the closure of Al Aqsa mosques for more than 15 days, particularly during the holy month of Ramazan, which constitutes a profound affront to the religious sentiments of millions of Muslims worldwide. Developments of this nature further deepen tensions and openly threaten both our people and the culture of living together. On this occasion, I would like to express my Sincere appreciation to Mr. Secretary General for for his Ramadan solidarity visit to our country, as well as for his visit to Lebanon. In this particularly challenging period our region is going through.

We commend his solidarity and his call for an immediate ceasefire. At the same time, we are equally concerned about the rise in antisemitism observed during these recent events. Hatred directed against any religious community is unacceptable. In this regard, we reiterate that all forms of hatred and discrimination, including Islamophobia and anti Semitism, must firmly be rejected. It is therefore essential to make a clear distinction between legitimate criticism of the policies or actions or of governments and hostility directed against entire peoples or religious communities.

Responsibility for political actions lies with governments alone and should never be attributed to individuals or communities on the basis of their identity or faith. Excellencies International Day to Combat Islamophobia should not be regarded merely as a symbolic commemoration. It represents a collective call for action against the growing tide of intolerance, discrimination and violence targeting Muslims, their homes, properties, cultural centers and places of worship. The principles of the UN and international Human rights law oblige us to stand firmly against all forms of discrimination, religious hatred and intolerance. Experience has repeatedly demonstrated that racism, xenophobia and hate speech, if left unaddressed, can evolve into violence and even acts of terrorism.

In this respect, I would like to commemorate 51 victims who lost their lives in the heinous attack terrorist attack that happened in Christchurch, New Zealand on the 15th of March 2019. We must acknowledge that provocative acts such as the burning of the Holy Quran deeply offend the sacred values of Muslims and cannot be justified under the pretext of freedom of expression. In this regard, the resolutions adopted by the UN Human Rights Council and this General assembly recognizing the burning of Holy books as an act of religious hatred represent important steps forward. Another critical priority is the systematic documentation of Islamophobic incidents worldwide, including hate crimes, crimes and discriminatory practices. Regrettably, many incidents of hate crimes remain absent from official, national and international records as they are frequently categorized as ordinary criminal acts rather than manifestations of hatred and discrimination.

We therefore reiterate our call on all nations to adopt effective measures to prevent such acts and to ensure that perpetrators of hate crimes are held accountable.

In this context, we welcome again Mr. Secretary General's decision to appoint High Representative Mr. Morotinos as the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia. We also commend the preparation of the UN Action Plan to Go Combat Islamophobia which aims at serving as a coordinated and system wide roadmap for addressing this challenge and promoting a culture of tolerance and mutual respect. Turkey is pleased to contribute to the development of this plan. We would also like to highlight important role played by other international and regional mechanisms dedicated to combating intolerance and discrimination against Muslims. In this respect, we are pleased to note that a strategic plan of the OIC to combat Islamophobia prepared by the OIC Secretary General Special Envoy on Islamophobia, Ambassador Mehmet Pachaje, will be Presented to the 52nd Council of Foreign Ministers.

In addition, we commend the works of the personal representative of the OSCE.

On Combating Intolerance and discrimination against Muslims, Ambassador Ebran Daoudalan Akun. I am also personally aware the efforts by the Council of Europe, especially the Committee on Discrimination. I personally contributed before Mr. Secretary General. Madam President, during our chairmanship of the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC, we prioritize safeguarding the fundamental rights and dignity of Muslim communities and minorities. In this spirit, we have actively supported a coordinated and visible global response against Israel Islamophobia.

In closing, we reiterate our determination to contribute actively to all international efforts aimed at fostering inclusivity, mutual respect and harmony among diverse communities. Thank you for your attention. Now I invite Her Excellency Madame Anelena Berbok, President of the UN General assembly to deliver her statement by thanking her attention participation.

Mr. Secretary General. Your Excellency. Ambassador Yield is Mr. Under Secretary General. Mr. Secretary General of the OIC Excellencies.

Ladies and gentlemen Assalamu Alaikum and Ramadan Mubarak. To all those observing, we gather today for the fourth commemoration of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia proclaimed by the General assembly on March 15, 2022. Through that decision Member States reaffirmed a clear Discrimination or hatred directed at any community because of its religion has no place in our societies. This year's commemoration also comes at a moment of profound spiritual reflection for billions globally across Muslim communities, the holy month of Ramadan is being observed, a time marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, reflection and acts of charity. Meanwhile, Christians across the world are observing Lent, a season of prayer, fasting and confirmation leading to Easter.

These traditions differ in their practices, yet they remind us of our shared values humility, compassion, restraint, and respect for others. Those values resonate closely with the principles that guide the work of the United nations and our General assembly as a forum where nations of different beliefs, cultures and traditions can meet on equal footing, search for common ground, and work to strengthen the foundations of peaceful coexistence in its wrecked and valuing diversity. Yet the ideals we affirm here do not always reflect the realities many communities face across the world. Muslims continue to encounter discrimination, hostility, and sometimes even violence because of their faith. In some places this appears as suspicion directed at their names, their appearance or attire, or the way they pray.

Even in our interconnected world today, such prejudice persist.

And frankly speaking, I have to say myself that where I'm coming from, I've seen Muslim friends being discriminated against because of their name when trying to find a job or renting an apartment. Political rhetoric and false narratives misrepresent entire communities and deepen mistrust within societies. These dynamics are now amplified in the digital age. Technologies that are meant to connect us across borders are accelerating the spread of misinformation and prejudice at an unprecedented speed. As I noted last Monday with regard to the hate speech directed at women in the digital world.

It is an incredibly important step that this General assembly is addressing this issue head on, including through the establishment of the independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence to help counter the growing tendency for digital spaces to become vehicles for hatred instead of spaces for knowledge, understanding and respectful exchange. And I encourage governments, international institutions, technology companies and civil society to follow the example of the United nations and play a proactive role in challenging harmful stereotypes while promoting accurate and responsible information.

Fighting Islamophobia includes that we do not tolerate the misinterpretation of religion. Like any face, Islam cannot be used as an excuse to violate Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms the equal rights and dignity of men and women. One misuse of this by extremist groups such as isis, Boko Haram, Al Sharp, and the Taliban to cloak violence, exclusion and denial of women's rights in religious justicefaction. Such actions contradict both international human rights and the teaching of Islam itself. And by this misinterpresents the nearly2.2 billion people around the world who follow the face peacefully.

As a grant Imam of Al Azhar Sheikh Ahmed Al Tayyb has warned in response to restriction on women's education in Afghanistan, I quote such bans contradict the rights that Islam guarantees equally to women and men. Excellencies Ultimately, standing up against Islamophobia is not only about defending one religious community. It is about defending our shared humanity. Because discrimination never stops with one group. Whether it appears as Islamophobia, racism, antisemitism, sexism, homophobia or any other form of hatred, it follows the same logic and leads to the same end dehumanization.

That is why it concerns all of us and why we must act and take a firm stance against discrimination and Islamophobia whenever and wherever it appears. That means strengthening legal protection against religious hatred and discrimination against Muslims. It means investing in education that fosters tolerance and understanding across cultures and faith. And it means working with international institutions, digital platforms and civil society to prevent the spread of misinformation, prejudice, hate and violence. From this hall, Member states have the capacity to shape norms, promote dialogue and reaffirm the fundamental principle that every individual deserves to live free from discrimination because of their faith.

Because societies that uphold dignity, tolerance and mutual respect are not only fairer, they are stronger, more stable and more peaceful. Thank you and Ramadan Mubarak.

I thank your excellency PGA for the statement and I now give the floor to Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the UN, to address this event.

Mr. President of the Session, Madam President of the General Assembly. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, we mark the international day to combat Islamophobia. As the world approaches the end of the holy months of Ramadan, this is a time devoted to solidarity and compassion, a time to reach out especially to those in need. And today, many communities are hurting. Conflict and instability are raging around the world, affecting countless people, but including many, many Muslims.

Civilians are suffering. Lives are being lost, families are being torn apart. And far beyond the front lines, millions of Muslims around the world carry that pain with them, worrying about loved ones, watching the news with dread, and wondering what tomorrow will bring for their communities and their future. Against this backdrop, our commitment to dignity, equality and human rights has never been more urgent. The world's nearly 2 billion Muslims come from every corner of the globe.

They are citizens. Many are migrants, women and men, young people full of hope. And elders full of wisdom. Their cultures, languages and traditions reflect the extraordinary diversity of humanity itself.

Yet for far too many Muslims, daily life can be shaped by exclusion. We are facing a rising tide of anti Muslim bigotry and hate. The bias can be overt institutional discrimination, social economic marginalization, sweeping immigration restrictions and unwarranted surveillance and profiling. But the bias can also be subtle. In opportunities quietly denied, assumptions left unchallenged, questions weighted down by suspicion.

These everyday experiences rarely make the headlines of statistics, but over time, they shape lives, erode trust and send a clear message about who is seen as belonging and who is not. These realities are driven and dangerous is amplified by anti Muslim rhetoric, misinformation and outright hate. When discriminatory narratives are echoed by those in positions of authority, prejudice becomes normalized. When stereotypes are left unchallenged, they harden into policy. And when fear is allowed to guide decision making, injustice follows online and offline.

Toxic narratives portray entire communities through the lens of hostility and blame. And the consequences are painful. Real harassment and intimidation, vandalism and threats, attacks on individuals and on mosques. This is an assault on Muslims and it is an assault on the values that underpin peaceful, inclusive societies everywhere. Governments have a clear responsibility.

Laws and policies must safeguard equality, not entrench prejudice. Security measures must protect people and respect human rights, not stigmatize entire communities. Technology companies have a responsibility. Online spaces should bring people together, not drive them apart. They must do far more to identify, prevent and address hate speech and harassment.

And all of us have a responsibility too. We must speak out clearly and consistently against bigotry, xenophobia and discrimination wherever they appear. Silence in the face of hatred only allows it to spread. Real change requires sustained political will, inclusive leadership and the commitment to listen to all voices across diverse communities. This is why I appointed the High Representative for the United nations alliance of Civilizations as the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.

This will strengthen coordination, deepen partnerships and enhance our collective response. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. As Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims around the world reaffirm values that also form the foundation of UN Charter empathy for the vulnerable, generosity towards neighbors and responsibility towards the wider community. These universal principles must guide our global response to hatred and division. On this international day to Combat Islamophobia, let us recommit to the equality, human rights and dignity of every person everywhere.

Let us reject the narratives of fear and exclusion. And let us work together to eradicate the rising tide of anti Muslim hatred and bigotry and build a world rooted in respect, inclusion justice and Peace Ramadan Karim and thank you.

Thank you very much. Mr. Secretary General. We now proceed to listening to the statement of His Excellency Mr. Morotinos. Under Secretary General High Representative for the UN alliance of Civilizations and UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia. The floor is yours.

Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United nations is Anna Lambert Bock, President of the 80 censure of United Nations General Assembly. Your Excellency, Mr. Ahmed Yildiz, permanent Representative of Turkey and Chair of the IHC Group. Your Excellency, Mr. Hamed Opelogelu, Permanent observer of the OIC to the United Nations. Excellencies, distinguished delegates. It is an honor to address the fifth commemorative event marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

And I'm truly privileged that my office is organizing this event this year with the oaic. Let me begin my standing my war wishes to Muslim for the remaining day of the holy month of Ramadan and to Christian observing land. May these sacred periods inspire reflection, compassion and of shared commitment to peace. Excellencies, this day proclaimed by the General Assembly Reflection a growing recognition by international community that hatred and discrimination directed at Muslim are not isolated incident, but part of a broader and deeply troubling rise in racism and bigotry based on religions or belief. This trend demand our collective attention and action.

I commend the leadership of Member States and the continued engagement of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in elevating global awareness of the pressing challenge of Islamophobia and anti Muslim hate and keeping the issue high on the global agenda. Excellencies, today's commemoration take at a moment of heightened tension around the world. We are witnessing rising polarization, deepening geopolitical division and an alarming normalization of intolerance. In such context, prejudice and scapegoating too often flourish across region. Muslim community continue to face discrimination and persistent dehumanization simply because of their faith.

Muslims are often challenged with institutional discrimination and socioeconomic restrictions. Such biases are manifested in the stigmatization and an unwarranted racial profiling of Muslim reinforced by bias, media representation and by the anti Muslim rhetoric and policies of some political leaders. Islamophobia manifests itself in many forms, from hate speech and disinformation online to discrimination in employment and education. Recent global development and the persistent devastating conflict in several regions have once again demonstrated how quickly hate narrative can spread and how easily entire communities can become target of suspension and hostility. In many conflict settings.

We are also witnessing a tribal riots and attack on Muslin and their places of worship. Conflict driving fear, misinformation and dishumanization often create an environment in which religious community become easy targets. Such acts of violence not only violate fundamental human rights but also threaten prospect for peace and reconciliation. This should concern us all because because when hatred Muslim is tolerated or normalized, it erodes the principle that underpin peaceful and inclusive society based on human rights. Combating Islamophobia is therefore not only about protecting Muslim community, it is about safeguarding universal values upon which our multilateral system is yogma dignity, equality, freedom of religion or belief and respect for diversity.

These principles are at the very heart of the Charter of United nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In this context, the adoption of General Assembly Resolution 76254, the International Day to Combat Islamophobia and Resolution 78264 measured to combat Islamophoria are two milestones in our collective effort to combat this scourge. In my capacity as United Nations Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, I remain committed to working closely with Member States, international organizations, civil Society, First Leader and Media platform to address the challenge in a comprehensive balance and principle manner. In this context, I have convened collectively or individually several meetings with with the OIC Core Group on Islamophobia and share with them my vision, including a draft outline of the UN Action Plan to Combat Islamophobia. Earlier this year, in January and February, I visited the United Kingdom and France where I met with officials responsible for addressing racism, discrimination and human rights related issues.

I also had the opportunity to meet with fewer representatives of the Muslim community in these countries. I just returned yesterday from Azerbaijan where I also met with relevant stakeholders. Dealing with visits are planned in the spring if travel circumstances permit. Excellencies, Our collective effort must focus on several priorities. First, prevention through education, dialogue and intercultural and interreligious understanding.

Ignorance and fear often lie at the root of prejudice. Education remain one of our most effective tools to counter them. Second, addressing the proliferation of hate speech, particularly in the digital sphere, while safeguarding freedom of expression in accordance with international human rights standards. In this respect, Media Literacy program and Critical Thinking workshop are essential tools that could act as protective shield against misinformation and disinformation. Third, strengthening national policies and legal framework that protect individuals and communities from discrimination and violence based on religion or belief at the same time that we need to identify the legislative gaps in national policy that hinder the criminalization of hate crimes and anti discrimination law.

Fourth, encourage government to support initiatives that promote dialogue and mutual respect across culture and faith tradition at the community level and fifth, consistent vocal condemnation at the highest level of Islamophobic and anti Muslim incident. In this regard, the work of the United nations alliance of Civilizations continue to demonstrate that dialogue, a cooperation across cultural and religious and are essential pillars of peaceful and inclusive society. That's why my office to weather Woyawa Sea have organized a high level sad event today where I hope we will have a productive interactive discussion on addressing Islamophobia. The two thematic panel will address the balance between the freedom of expression and the prohibition of incitement to hatred. The second panel will will take a deep dive into institutional framework and national strategies addressing hate speech and discrimination, including Islamophobia.

I'm very pleased that envoys and coordinators on combating discrimination or anti masking hatred representing the OAC OSCE Council of Europe, Australia and Sweden have traveled from their capitals to New York to join the discussion this afternoon at Edgar Kosok. Excellencies, My dear friend, 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 its form. Silence in the face of intolerance is not neutrality, it is complicity. Let us therefore renew together our commitment to to a world where people of all faiths and background can live in dignity, security and mutual respect.

That is the responsibility we all share. Thank you.

I thank Mr. Moratinos co chair of this event for his statement and effective role of his office in promoting interreligious harmony and peace building on the global scene. Now I invite His Excellency Ambassador Hamid Opaleyaru, Permanent observer of the OIC to the UN to deliver the statement of the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Excellencies, I have the honor to deliver the message of His Excellency Hussain Ibrahim Taha, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, on the occasion of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia and I quote bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Excellencies, co chairs of this session, your Excellency, President of the United Nations General assembly, your Excellency, Secretary General of the United Nations Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, on this fourth commemoration of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, we remember the matters of Christchurch, New Zealand attacks on 15 March 2019 and we reaffirm that hatred based on faith has no place in our world. It was that tragedy that moved the United Nations General assembly to adopt Resolution 76254 proclaiming this day as a global call to action against Islamophobia. This call remains unheeded in too many places. Anti Muslim incidents continue to rise across regions.

Islamophobic rhetoric is increasingly normalized in political discourse and new technologies. AI generated content and digital disinformation are weaponized to spread hatred at unprecedented scale. The OIC reports on Islamophobia bear witness to these troubling realities. Meanwhile, resolution says 76254 reminds us that the fight against Islamophobia is inseparable from the broader commitment to human rights, the protection of religious freedoms and the promotion of a culture of peace and tolerance for all. The human cost of this development has been profound.

Our communities have endured an intensifying wave of mosque attacks, discriminatory policies, workplace harassment and educational barriers. Particularly concerning is the rise in gendered Islamophobia targeting Muslim women who face multiple layers of discrimination. The increasing normalization of anti Muslim rhetoric in public discourse has emboldened acts of hatred, creating an environment where even children in schools face bullying and alienation based on their fate. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation remains steadfast in its commitment to working with all partner states, international organization and civil society to work towards combating Islamophobia. The OIC countries continues to expand its network of partnerships and initiatives in this crucial fight.

We have intensified our engagement with technology companies to address online hate speech, collaborated with educational institutions to develop anti bias curricula and worked alongside governments to strengthen protective legislation. These efforts reflect our understanding that combating Islamophobia requires a whole of society approach. Let us remember that our diversity is our strength. The path to peaceful coexistence lies in our ability to understand, respect and celebrate our differences while recognizing our common humanity. Let us be clear, Islamophobia is not only a Muslim concern, it undermines human dignity, pluralism and the freedom of religion or belief for all.

The OIC calls upon governments, international organizations, media citizens, social media and digital platforms, and civil society to translate commitment into concrete action through stronger legal protections, responsible digital governance and genuine interfaith dialogue. A world where every person can practice their faith without fear is within our reach if we pursue it together with resolve and with unshakable belief in the equal dignity of every human being. Thank you.

I thank Vice Secretary General for this statement. As the opening sessions come to close, I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Secretary General and Madam President for their participation.

Before proceeding to the High level Intervention segment, I invite Under Secretary General Mr. Moratinos, the Co Chair of the event, to take his seat in the podium.

It's.

So we'll start the segment of intervention of member states. So I will call Deputy Prime Minister of the Kids Republic, Mr. D. Baishalov to come and to address to the podium.

Chairman Ambassador Yildiz. Mr. Under Secretary General Excellencies. Assalamu Alaikum. Peace be upon you.

These simple words exchanged daily by nearly 2 billion Muslims around the world carry a profound meaning. They are not merely a greeting. They wish for peace, safety and goodwill for the other person. They remind us that at the heart of Islam lies a message that that is universal peace, compassion and respect for human dignity. It is therefore deeply symbolic that we gather today in this hall, the very heart of the global community, to observe the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

Allow me first to express sincere appreciation to His Excellency the Secretary General for his leadership on this important issue. Since the earliest days of his tenure, Mr. Guterres has consistently warned that hatred against people because of their face is a threat to our shared humanity. As once he noted, and I quote, racism, xenophobia, anti Semitism or Islamophobia are poisoning our societies. Under his leadership, the United nations has taken civilization significant steps to confront this challenge. Today's observance comes at a moment when once again the Secretary General has warned of a disturbing rise in anti Muslim bigotry worldwide.

From discrimination and hateful rhetoric to violence against individuals and places of worship. This reality reminds us that combating Islamophobia is not only about protecting one community. It is about defending the very principles upon which the United nations was dignity, equality and respect for human rights. Excellencies. Nearly eight years after the creation of the United nations, our world has become profoundly interconnected.

We travel to each other's countries, work in each other's cities, study in each other's universities. Increasingly, we also meet each other in the digital world every day across borders and cultures. This unprecedented closeness should be a source of enrichment. Yet it can also bring misunderstandings, stereotypes and fear. For millennia, humanity lived in small, isolated communities.

Today, we live in diverse multicultural societies. The task before us is therefore not simply political. It is. It is educational and moral. We must learn and teach our children how to live together with respect, curiosity and openness towards one another.

Excellencies, allow me to briefly reflect on the experience of my own country. The Kyrgyz Republic is a secular, multi ethnic and multi religious society. Kyrgyzstan today combines Islamic cultural heritage with a strong commitment to secular institutions, pluralism and freedom of religion. Since regaining our independence 35 years ago, we have witnessed the revival of religious life among our citizens. Mosques have been rebuilt, churches have been rebuilt, synagogues have been rebuilt, communities have renewed their traditions and young people increasingly explore their faith.

Under the leadership of President Sadar Zaparov, our government is committed to ensuring that this revival stand strengthens social harmony rather than division. We promote religious education rooted in tolerance, while firmly addressing extremism and protecting the secular character of the state. For us, combating Islamophobia goes hand in hand with combating all forms of religious hatred. Discriminations against Muslims must never be tolerated. But neither should discrimination against Muslims, Christians, nor against Jews, nor against followers of any other faith or belief.

As many have said in this assembly, hatred against one community ultimately threatens all communities. In this context, I was profoundly moved by a message expressed last week by His Excellency the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who reminded us that the challenges facing the Muslim world cannot be reduced to divisions between Sunni and Shia. Islam itself, like other great faith traditions, teaches the values of compassion, justice and reconciliation. These are values that resonate deeply with the principles of the United Nations Charter. Excellencies in times of conflict and uncertainty, voices of division often grow louder.

President of Kyrgyzstan Sadar Zhaparav expressed his deep concerns about the escalation of the tensions and its negative impact on our brotherly countries on both sides of the Gulf. It is particularly unfortunate that the conflict is happening during the holy month of Ramadan. We share the profound grief and sorrow of the peoples of the region over the tragic loss of civilians. We condemn any actions that have led to to such a catastrophe. We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint immediately cease hostilities and take necessary steps to resume constructive dialogue.

Kyrgyzstan advocates for uniting efforts on the peaceful settlement of the situation in the region in accordance with the United Nations Charter and generally recognized principles of international law. Excellencies Combating Islamophobia requires more than statements. It requires sustained actions. Governments must reinforce laws that protect individuals from hate crimes and discrimination. Educational systems must promote understanding of religions and culture.

Media institutions and digital platforms must ensure that misinformation and hate speech do not spread unchecked. And political leaders must speak responsibly, rejecting narratives that divide societies and along religious lines. Ultimately, the challenge before us is not simply to tolerate one another, but to embrace the richness of our diversity. Our differences of faith, culture and tradition should not be viewed as threats. They are part of humanity's shared heritage.

In Kyrgyz culture, there is a saying, a guest brings blessing to the home, perhaps the globalized world. Invites us to extend this wisdom to all humanity, to treat every encounter with another culture of faith not with suspicion, but with respect and hospitality. Excellencies, allow me to conclude as I began. Assalamu Alaikum. Peace be upon you.

May peace be upon all people of all faiths and all nations. And may our collective efforts ensure that future generations inherit a world where diversity is not feared but but celebrated. Ramadan Bumarak thank you.

Thank you. The Deputy Prime Minister of Kyzen's Republic. And now I give the floor to the third Deputy Prime Minister of Republic of Uganda. Please join the podium,

Mr. Chairman, Excellences, Distinguished Delegates. Assam Alikum wa rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh Allow me to thank the President of the General assembly, the Organization of the Islamic Corporation and the United nations alliance of Civilizations for convening this important high level event marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Ramadan Karim to all of you brothers and sisters, those observing the holy month, this commemoration provides an important opportunity for the international community to reaffirm its commitment to addressing hatred, intolerance and discrimination directed towards Muslims. Excellencies Islamophobia continues to manifest itself in many forms, including the hate speech, discrimination, stigmatization and violence directed to Muslims and their places of worship. In many contexts, harmful narratives and stereotypes are mostly amplified online, where digital platforms have become powerful outlets for spreading intolerance and misinformation.

Such trends undermine the principles of equality, human dignity and peaceful coexistence that underpin the Charter of the United Nations. We are particularly concerned by the rise in incidents involving stigmatization of Muslims communities. And in other instances, Muslims have also faced religious profiling and exclusion, including discrimination in workplaces, schools and other public spaces. Excellencies Addressing Islamophobia requires sustained and coordinated action at all levels. Governments must continue strengthening legislative and policy frameworks to prevent discrimination and violence based on religion or belief.

At the same time, improving the reporting and investigation of hate crimes and incidents of religious intolerance remains essential to inform effective responses. Equally important is the role of education in promoting mutual respect and understanding among cultures and religions. Increasing faith literacy and fostering interreligious and intercultural dialogue can help dispel fear, combat stereotypes and build more inclusive societies. Uganda is a country characterized by religious and cultural pluralism. Article 29 of our Constitution, as amended, guarantees freedom of worship and our national and religious institutions continue to promote relevancy, interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence among all communities.

We firmly believe that unity in cultural diversity and beliefs within our societies strengthens social cohesion and contributes to peace stability. As I end on this day, Uganda reaffirms its commitment to working with the international community to combat intolerance, promote dialogue, uphold the dignity and the rights of every person to practice their religion. Free discrimination and free from discrimination and violence. Let us continue to work together to build societies founded on mutual respect, equality and peaceful coexistence. I thank you, Ramadan Karim.