March 15, 2026 — International Day to Combat Islamophobia
The United Nations has warned of a concerning rise in anti-Muslim discrimination worldwide as the international community marks the International Day to Combat Islamophobia on March 15…
In an interview with UN News, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the UN Special Envoy tasked with combating Islamophobia, described a “very, very serious” surge in anti-Muslim acts in parts of Europe and the wider Western world, with similar trends emerging in Asia, Africa, and the Sahel region.
Moratinos, who also serves as High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, warned that political actors are increasingly exploiting religion to deepen divisions.
“Religion has become a tool in the hands of certain political parties and movements seeking to foster polarization,” he said.
According to the envoy, the spread of hate speech online, combined with a lack of understanding about Islam in many societies, has contributed to the rise in discrimination.
He emphasized that education and dialogue are essential to counter what he described as “immense ignorance” about Islam in some parts of the world.
The United Nations is currently preparing a comprehensive action plan to address Islamophobia globally, expected to be presented later this year. The initiative aims to strengthen international cooperation, promote social cohesion, and ensure accountability for hate speech on digital platforms.
The effort aligns with United Nations commitments under Sustainable Development Goal 16, which calls for peaceful and inclusive societies and respect for human rights.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Moratinos to the role in May 2025 to strengthen global responses to anti-Muslim discrimination.
Middle East Tensions Raise Global Energy Concerns
The call for greater tolerance comes amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that are raising concerns over global energy security.
According to U.S. officials, American forces conducted large-scale strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island—the facility responsible for more than 90 percent of the country’s oil exports. The operation reportedly targeted military installations while avoiding direct damage to oil infrastructure.
U.S. President Donald Trump described the operation as one of the “most powerful bombing raids in the history of the Middle East,” warning that further action could follow if Iran attempts to disrupt shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has threatened retaliation, warning that it could target facilities linked to the United States in the region, including infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates.
A drone strike reportedly disrupted operations at a major energy hub in Fujairah, sending plumes of smoke over the facility and heightening fears of further escalation.
Fuel Anxiety Spreads to Asia
The uncertainty has already begun affecting energy markets worldwide.
In Thailand, motorists have been queuing for hours at petrol stations amid fears of supply disruptions and rising fuel prices linked to the Middle East crisis.
Some stations have reportedly imposed purchase limits, restricting petrol purchases to 500 baht per fill-up, while others have experienced delivery delays and depleted stocks.
“I’ve never seen something like this,” one driver told Reuters, reflecting widespread frustration among motorists.
Authorities have sought to reassure the public that supplies remain adequate, but discussions are underway about temporary measures such as limiting station hours to manage demand.
A World Facing Interconnected Pressures
As the international community marks a day dedicated to combating prejudice and discrimination, the simultaneous rise in geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty highlights how global crises can intensify divisions.
UN officials say the challenge ahead will be ensuring that political conflict and economic pressures do not fuel further intolerance—and that international cooperation remains strong in defending human rights and social cohesion worldwide.
©Reuters
