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STATEMENT : HIGH-LEVEL COMMEMORATIVE EVENT ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY TO COMBAT ISLAMOPHOBIA
STATEMENT BY
H.E. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMMAD
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE HIGH-LEVEL COMMEMORATIVE EVENT ON THE
INTERNATIONAL DAY TO COMBAT ISLAMOPHOBIA
MONDAY, 16 MARCH 2026, GENERAL ASSEMBLY HALL, UNHQ
Mr. President,
Malaysia is deeply concerned about the alarming rise of Islamophobia around the world. Acts of hatred, discrimination, and violence directed at Muslims continue to threaten global peace, social harmony, and security. Malaysia unequivocally condemns hate crimes directed at Muslims, as well as all forms of incitement to hatred and the propagation of racism, whether expressed through words or actions.
2. In Malaysia, our commitment to protecting the rightsand well-being of all citizens is guided by the values of “Madani”, or “Civility and Progress”, which emphasises sustainability, compassion, respect, innovation, shared prosperity, and trust. These principles guide our efforts to promote a society built on mutual respect, inclusivity, and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths and backgrounds.
3. Malaysia firmly recognises freedom of speech and expression as a fundamental human right. However, this freedom must be exercised responsibly and should not be used to justify acts that incite hatred, discrimination, or hostility against others. We therefore reject the notion that the defamation of religion does not constitute an infringement of human rights. Islamophobic acts directed at Muslims attack human dignity, justify discrimination and represent a clear violation of fundamental human rights. Failure to address such acts will not only harm Muslims, but also undermine the rights of other religious groups and the cohesion of society as a whole. Advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination or violence must therefore be prohibited by law.
4. Malaysia strongly supports global efforts to combat Islamophobia and has consistently supported and co-sponsored relevant resolutions adopted at the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Human Rights Council. Malaysia also contributes actively to international initiatives aimed at addressing this challenge. We provide a biennial contribution of USD 50,000 to the Voluntary Trust Fund of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) to support youth-led and education-focused initiatives to combat Islamophobia. Through this support, projects have been implemented that bring together Muslim and Christian youth in Malawi, help safeguard religious sites in Indonesia, and develop educational resources to counter hate speech in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Mr. President,
5. Combating Islamophobia is a complex challenge that requires sustained commitment and collective action. Malaysia believes that education, as well as intercultural and interreligious dialogue, are among the most effective tools to counter prejudice and misunderstanding. These efforts help bridge divides between communities and foster tolerance, mutual respect, and appreciation of diversity.
6. Let us reaffirm our shared commitment to building a world where religious and cultural differences arerespected, dialogue is encouraged, and all individuals can practice their faith in dignity and peace.
Thank you.