14 March 2025, New York - Statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States by H.E. Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, at the United Nations informal plenary on International Day to Combat Islamophobia
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Mr President of the General Assembly, Mr Secretary General, Mr High Representative, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Candidate Countries North Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Albania*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina* and Georgia, and the EFTA country Iceland, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Andorra and San Marino align themselves with this statement.
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.
On this 14th day of Ramadan, allow me to wish ‘Ramadan Mubarak!’ ‘Ramadan Kareem!’ to all those observing it.
Today’s meeting provides us with an opportunity to consider the challenges faced by Muslims worldwide, as well as those faced by persons of all faiths or beliefs, and of none.
Anti-Muslim hatred and discrimination exists in all regions. Like all forms of discrimination, hostility and violence based on religion or belief, it is unacceptable; it must be condemned and combatted by all.
Europe is working hard to address the rising tide of intolerance. At a time of heightened tensions, the EU still stands for the impact of the “un-spectacular”: the dividends of dialogue, the power of long-term anti-discrimination programmes, the value of de-escalation. These go hand-in-hand with robust laws and policies, as mandated by international human rights law.
The first International Day to Combat Islamophobia was in 2022, but the EU has long been active in countering hate crime, and hate speech, while safeguarding the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including seeking, receiving and imparting information and ideas.
In May 2024, a meeting was convened in Brussels around the topic of anti-Muslim hatred and discrimination, bringing together European equality bodies with civil society representatives.
Earlier today, the EU hosted a second coordination meeting with the Council of Europe on combatting anti-Muslim hatred and discrimination. This brought together 100 participants from 30 countries, 4 international organisations, and a cross-section of the media. This initiative is a clear signal of EU determination on this issue.
The EU is firmly committed to respect, promote and fulfil human rights, including the right to freedom of religion or belief, and the rights of persons belonging to minorities everywhere, including at the United Nations.
One example of this is the joint EU-OIC resolution on human rights in Myanmar, which highlights human rights violations against Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar.
Dear friends,
The resolutions on freedom of religion or belief and on combatting intolerance, the Istanbul Process, and the Rabat Plan of Action, all offer useful tools and mechanisms designed to help the international community tackle these challenges.
Legislation, dialogue, diplomacy, and political will are key, but in themselves are not enough. There is comprehensive, long-term work we also need to focus on – as a matter of urgency. The keyword here is Education.
We need to strengthen the foundations of an inclusive society, where everyone may enjoy their own identity, whilst at the same time respecting a set of common human rights-mandated norms.
The underlying issue before us is the universality of human rights. Human rights must be the same for everyone, regardless of how we pray or choose not to, our opinions, or the colour of our skin.
And so, as we discuss the scourge of anti-Muslim discrimination and hatred today in this room, let us keep reminding ourselves of the importance of working together, above and beyond all else, to protect the universality of all human rights, for all human beings.
Thank you.
* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.