UN Chief urges combating anti-Muslim discrimination

NEW YORK, Jan 18 (KUNA) -- UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres spoke of the importance of combatting anti-Muslim discrimination and hatred.
In a video message issued today, the UN chief said anti-Muslim hate crimes and other forms of bigotry were on the rise.
He said many people were victims of intolerance and suspicions that may not appear in statistics, but degrade "people's dignity and our common humanity".
In his message, Guterres warned that in times of insecurity, communities that look different become convenient scapegoats.
He said that people must resist cynical efforts to divide communities and portray neighbors as "the other".
As discrimination diminishes all, the UN top official said discrimination prevents people and societies from achieving their full potential.
He then underlined the importance to draw strength from the values of inclusion, tolerance and mutual understanding that are at the heart of all major faiths and the UN Charter.
In his message he quoted the Holy Quran, "nations and tribes were created to know one another." "People everywhere need to feel that their cultural identities are valued and at the same time to have a strong sense of belonging to the community as a whole." Moreover, he noted that the United Nations was launching an effort to promote respect, safety, and dignity for all, called the "Together" campaign. He then urged everyone to stand up against bigotry and for human rights.
The high-level event is organized by the Permanent Missions of Canada and the United States to the UN and the Delegation of the European Union and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. (end) mao.gta