WANA (Mar 14) – The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations, speaking on Friday at the UN high-level meeting marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, condemned the growing trend of hate speech against Muslims. He emphasized that the Israeli regime exploits Islamophobia as a tool to justify its crimes against the Palestinian people.

 

The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations statement is as follows:

 

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

 

At the outset, let me begin by appreciating you, Mr. President, for convening this important informal plenary meeting.

 

Mr. President,

Distinguished Colleagues,

 

Three years ago, the adoption of the General Assembly resolution 76/254 clearly reflected a shared commitment to addressing Islamophobia as one of the most alarming manifestations of intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, and incitement to violence against people based on their religion. Subsequently, the adoption of the resolution on “measures to combat Islamophobia” last year, reiterated this unified dedication by requesting effective measures to eradicate Islamophobia in all its forms.

 

It has also underscored the critical need for increased efforts to raise awareness and combat the spread of hate speech, which includes, inter alia, urging the implementation of all necessary measures, such as legislative and policy actions, to combat Islamophobia.

 

Distinguished colleagues,

 

The Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its profound concern regarding the extensive network of anti-Muslim campaigns, which includes the utilization of media outlets and social media platforms. These practices and policies, regardless of their location, have detrimental effects on Muslims globally, particularly those in vulnerable situations such as under foreign occupation or in minority communities.

 

In this regard, the world continues to witness daily aggressions against Palestinians whose homeland is under occupation. Israel, as an occupying regime, in cooperation with its allies, maintains a futile attempt to excuse its atrocities, crimes, and apartheid practices by fabricating a direct link between Islam and terrorism.

 

In addition, the Muslim Ummah has been subjected to violence, defamation, and desecration of their values, shrines, and the holy book in several Western countries under the guise of freedom of expression. We firmly call upon all those countries to continue criminalizing and prohibiting violence and hatred against religious symbols and holy books in their national laws and to actively engage in collective efforts to address Islamophobia.

 

In conclusion, my country is firmly determined to continue its support of all efforts to combat Islamophobia and religion-based extremism. Accordingly, Iran welcomes the nomination of H.E. Mr. Moratinos as the Secretary-General Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia. Iran also expresses its readiness to actively engage in the work of the Special Envoy and closely collaborate with him in this regard.

 

I thank you