Quoting from Holy Quran, UN Chief Calls for Global Fight against Hate Crimes, Bigotry
"In times of insecurity, communities that look different become convenient
scapegoats. We must resist cynical efforts to divide communities and portray neighbors
as 'the other'," Guterres said, in a video message to a high-level event
on combating anti-Muslim discrimination and hatred, in New York yesterday.
The UN Chief said anti-Muslim hate crimes and other forms of bigotry are on the
rise as are xenophobia, racism and anti-Semitism.
"Discrimination diminishes us all. It prevents
people - and societies - from achieving their full potential," he said.
He made a strong appeal for people to draw strength from
the values of inclusion, tolerance and mutual understanding.
Quoting from the Holy Quran, Guterres said people
everywhere need to feel that their cultural identities are valued.
"As the Holy Quran states: 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.”
The high-level event was organized by the Permanent
Missions of Canada and the US to the UN and the Delegation of the European
Union and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Guterres also highlighted the Organization’s Together
campaign, an effort to promote respect, safety and dignity for all.
"Together, let us stand up against bigotry and for
human rights. Together, let us build bridges. Together, let us transform fear
into hope," he said.
Source: Business Standard
