Statement by H.E. Mr. Tofig F. Musayev

Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations

at the high-level event to commemorate the International Day to Combat Islamophobia

General Assembly Hall, UNHQ, 16 March 2026

I would like to thank the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC) and the Permanent Observer Mission of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to the United Nations for organising today’s high-level meeting to commemorate the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

Ensuring freedom of religion or belief as a fundamental human right is critical to achieving inclusive, sustainable and prosperous societies. Rooted in the dignity and equality inherent in all human beings, the effective realization of this right forms the foundation of mutual understanding, tolerance and respect within and among nations.

The latest relevant reports of the Secretary-General describe an alarming rise of Islamophobia, including through the use of the media. This requires the international community’s commitment to promote social cohesion and protect religious freedom to be translated into responsive policy frameworks, in addition to legislative measures.

Among its various manifestations and consequences, Islamophobia is one of the driving forces behind the policies of hatred, discrimination and misinformation in conflicts. There are numerous examples of such policies worldwide, one of which is Azerbaijan, where – in its formerly occupied territories – thousands of cultural heritage sites of universal value, including the monuments associated with the Islamic faith, were subjected to deliberate vandalism, desecration and destruction. A similar fate has befallen our cultural heritage beyond the country’s borders.

Mr. Chair, General Assembly resolutions 76/254 and 78/264, designating 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia and requesting the appointment of a United Nations Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia, respectively, emphasize the importance attached by Member States to enhancing collective action in this regard.

Believing in the importance of international cooperation to address and effectively combat Islamophobia, Azerbaijan continues to play its part in contributing to international efforts to that end. Since the designation of 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, three international conferences have been organised in my country with the participation of diverse stakeholders. The fourth such conference will be held later this year in Baku under the theme “Islamophobia: A Global Challenge on the Agenda of Human Rights”.

Azerbaijan expresses its appreciation to UNAOC, in particular High Representative and Special Envoy Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, and to the OIC for mobilizing collective action to combat Islamophobia and reiterates its full support to their efforts to deliver tangible outcomes.

Thank you.