The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, described Islamophobia as poison, and that the world’s Muslims, who number about two billion, are the embodiment of humanity in all its diversity, as they hail from every corner of the globe, but they often face intolerance and prejudice for no reason other than their faith.

This came in his speech during an event held at the United Nations General Assembly on the occasion of the commemoration of the first International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

He added, "The message of peace, sympathy, and compassion brought by Islam, more than 1,400 years ago, constitutes an inspiration to people around the world, and I have seen a contemporary manifestation of what the Holy Quran says in chapter 9 verse 6: “And if anyone from the polytheists asks for your protection ˹O Prophet˺, grant it to them so they may hear the Word of Allah, then escort them to a place of safety, for they are a people who have no knowledge.”

Guterres continued, "The word Islam itself is derived from the same root as the word peace, and when I held the position of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, I saw the generosity of Islamic countries that opened their doors to people who were forced to flee their homes, at a time when many other countries closed their borders."

Regarding the growing hatred faced by Muslims, the Secretary-General stressed that it is not an isolated event, but rather an integral part of the resurgence of ethnic nationalism and the ideologies of neo-Nazis who rant about white supremacy, and violence targeting the most vulnerable segments of the population, including Muslims, Jews, some Christian minority communities and others.