INTERNATIONAL DAY TO COMBAT ISLAMOPHOBIA – PLENARY UNGA
Statement on behalf of CANZ (Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) by Ambassador Rebecca Bryant, Chargé d'affaires of Australia to the United Nations
14 March 2025
I deliver this statement on behalf of Canada, New Zealand and my own country Australia. CANZ strongly advocates for freedom of religion or belief, domestically and internationally. This reflects our commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms.
As we mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, we underscore our concern with rising Islamophobia globally. We unequivocally oppose the desecration of sacred books, places of worship and religious symbols – acts which we see as provocative and inconsistent with our firmly held belief in freedom of religion. We are also deeply concerned by the continued persecution and harassment of religious minorities including Muslims.
We recognise Islamophobia can leave communities feeling targeted, threatened, and vulnerable. We must intensify our efforts in fostering mutual understanding, countering intolerance and hatred rooted in religion or belief, and addressing potential sources of tension among diverse communities.
We call attention to people around the world who are harassed, detained, imprisoned, or even killed for identifying as Muslim, or being perceived as Muslim, practicing Islam, or converting to Islam.
Our countries are firmly committed to combatting all forms of religious intolerance, including Islamophobia. We are committed to fostering inclusivity, challenging discrimination, raising awareness and promoting inter and intra-faith and inter and intra-cultural dialogues with all, to ensure that everyone can practice their religions or belief without fear or discrimination.
In combatting religious intolerance there is no one size fits all approach. We are committed to countering hate speech in all its forms and at the same time, we are committed to protecting and promoting the right to freedom of religion or belief, and the right to freedom of expression.
There is no place for hatred, intolerance or discrimination of any kind. We will continue to act strongly to combat all forms of religious intolerance, including Islamophobia.
In the Holy month of Ramadan, we stand in solidarity with Muslims living in our own countries, and all people wishing to live their lives in peace in accordance with their religious identity or beliefs.
Thank you.