Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, xenophobia and discrimination continue to increase in the world, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said at the 9th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) held in Morocco's city Fez on Tuesday.
"Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, anti-Christianity, xenophobia, separatism and extremism continue to increase everywhere,” Çavuşoğlu said.
In his opening speech at the forum, Çavuşoğlu reiterated that the UNAOC was established 17 years ago with the initiative of Spain and Türkiye, and stated that the alliance, with its 158 members, is one of the most supported initiatives of the United Nations.
Noting that the world was different 17 years ago, the top diplomat said, "This may be the age of crises and even war resulting from nation-state competition, superpower rivalry and major socio-economic upheaval."
Pointing out that it is not easy to change the prejudices formed between generations, Çavuşoğlu said, "Humanity is also faced with the task of putting an end to human suffering as a result of these prejudices. Because discrimination, exclusion and conflicts become a vicious circle."
Stating that the alliance is a solid action plan built on three important issues, Çavuşoğlu said, "These are the prevention and fight against diplomacy and opposition to mediation and violent extremism."
Çavuşoğlu further listed the "important steps" that the alliance has taken, including the U.N. General Assembly declaring March 15, the anniversary of the 2019 Christchurch attacks in New Zealand, as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
"In 2021, our 'Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites' was endorsed by the U.N. General Assembly. In 2020, High Representative (Miguel Angel) Moratinos was designated the first-ever U.N. focal point to monitor anti-Semitism," he added.
