Guterres calls out social media for spread of Islamophobia
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In a message delivered on Friday, the UN secretary-general stated that institutional discrimination and other hurdles violate Muslims' human rights and dignity.
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Secretary-General António Guterres opens the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. (UN)
On Friday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that institutional discrimination and other hurdles violate Muslims' human rights and dignity and blamed social media for its role in the rise of such bigotry.
During an event marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Guterres stated "Around the world, we see a rising tide of anti-Muslim hate and bigotry," adding that "We must call this what it is: hate -- plain and simple."
Hate speech propagators are abusing social media, history's most powerful megaphone, to magnify and propagate their disgusting views. Extreme ideology and abuse have thrived on online venues, the Secretary-General explained, warning that such sentiment only fuels "real-life violence."
He further expressed that hate "destroys the fabric of our societies. And hate undermines the equality, understanding, and respect for human rights, upon which a peaceful future and a peaceful world depend."
Guterres called on the world to embrace their common responsibility to "confront and root out the scourge of anti-Muslim bigotry."
In addition, he advised that governments should lead in condemning hate speech and have a responsibility to "safeguard religious freedom, in particular for minorities."
The official also called for digital platforms to moderate and prevent hateful content from being spread, and warned that "Artificial intelligence must reduce biases and stereotypes, not reproduce and amplify them. "
Guterres encouraged solidarity with Muslims "during the Holy Month of Ramadan and every day."
Guterres calls on 'silencing the guns' in Gaza for month of Ramadan
Guterres on Monday called for "silencing the guns" in Gaza.
Ramadan celebrates "peace, reconciliation and solidarity," Guterres said. "Yet even though Ramadan has begun – the killing, bombing, and bloodshed continue in Gaza."
He called on the removal of all obstacles to "ensure the delivery of lifesaving aid at the speed and massive scale required."
With 2.4 million people enduring a stifling siege by the Israeli occupation forces, the UN warned that the population was facing an imminent risk of famine. UNOCHA estimates that nearly one-quarter of the total population is one step away from starvation.
When the Israeli occupation forces said they would deliver aid supplies to Gaza's civilians, the endeavor resulted in over a hundred being killed, shot in the head, and run over by tracked vehicles as they fled.
"The eyes of history are watching," Guterres said. "We cannot look away. We must act to avoid more preventable deaths."
A Ramadan ceasefire for Gaza must be implemented immediately, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Monday, the first day of the Muslim holy month
— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) March 11, 2024
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