Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad of Pakistan argues that Islamophobia is not simply prejudice against a religion but a systematic process that stigmatizes a people, denigrates their identity, and normalizes hostility toward a community of nearly two billion Muslims. He contends that in many parts of the world, Islamophobia extends beyond isolated acts of intolerance and is embedded in narratives, institutions, and public discourse, shaping laws, media representations, and everyday interactions. Speaking at the High-Level Event marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, he centers his remarks on the theme 'The Changing Dynamics of Islamophobia Today and its Implications on Peaceful, Cohesive and Just Societies.' The statement urges recognition of these evolving dynamics, accountability for discrimination, and collective action to protect the rights and dignity of Muslims worldwide, with the goal of fostering peaceful, cohesive, and just societies.
