UN Under-Secretary-General: Muslims face institutional discrimination and socio-economic restrictions

“Muslims face institutional discrimination and socio-economic restrictions. These biases contribute to their stigmatization and unwarranted racial profiling. Negative media representation, along with the anti-Muslim rhetoric and policies of certain political leaders, further strengthen these prejudices,” said Miguel Ángel Moratinos, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), in a video address to the international conference themed “Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas” in Baku on May 26.

Highlighting that people should be allowed to practice their beliefs peacefully and without fear, wherever they are, the UN Under-Secretary-General added: “Religious sites around the world have been targeted in attacks. Places of worship must serve as safe havens, not locations of terror and bloodshed. We all must stand against hatred and discrimination in all its forms.”