UN Secretary General António Guterres has called upon governments to foster social cohesion and protect religious freedom.

In his message on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, he expressed concerns over a disturbing rise in anti-Muslim bigotry.

He emphasized that online platforms must curb hate speech and harassment.

In his message, OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha said anti-Muslim incidents continue to multiply, with online hate speech, attacks on places of worship and persistent discrimination. He said the OIC in collaboration with its partners, continues to promote effective strategies against Islamophobia, strengthen legal protections for minorities and combat religious hatred in all its forms. He said interfaith and intercultural dialogue is essential to building lasting bridges of understanding.