Islamophobia is on the rise in European Union capitals and the United States, and the United Nations must work to clarify the true nature of Islam, said Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the UN Secretary-General’s High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, in an interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman.
"Islamophobia is intensifying in the main capitals of the European Union and even in the United States. Why? Because there is a lack of understanding of what Islam is. There is too much manipulation and misunderstanding," Moratinos said. He was recently appointed by the UN Secretary-General as Special Envoy on combating Islamophobia.
When asked about his main goals in the new role, he said: "My mission is to work with all key stakeholders to explain what Islam is. Islam is a religion just like Christianity or Judaism. It is a path to inner spirituality."
Moratinos emphasized that the rise in Islamophobia can no longer be ignored. "It is one of the key issues that concerns us all," he noted. "This issue is being raised in Europe, and there is also a problem between Pakistan and India." However, he pointed to some positive examples, such as in Indonesia and parts of East Asia, where Islam is evolving and adapting to new realities.UN: Islamophobia Intensifying in the US and EU
Islamophobia is on the rise in European Union capitals and the United States, and the United Nations must work to clarify the true nature of Islam, said Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the UN Secretary-General’s High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, in an interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman.
"Islamophobia is intensifying in the main capitals of the European Union and even in the United States. Why? Because there is a lack of understanding of what Islam is. There is too much manipulation and misunderstanding," Moratinos said. He was recently appointed by the UN Secretary-General as Special Envoy on combating Islamophobia.
When asked about his main goals in the new role, he said: "My mission is to work with all key stakeholders to explain what Islam is. Islam is a religion just like Christianity or Judaism. It is a path to inner spirituality."
Moratinos emphasized that the rise in Islamophobia can no longer be ignored. "It is one of the key issues that concerns us all," he noted. "This issue is being raised in Europe, and there is also a problem between Pakistan and India." However, he pointed to some positive examples, such as in Indonesia and parts of East Asia, where Islam is evolving and adapting to new realities.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: ANDRE KOSTERS/POOL/ТАSS
Based on TASS materials