Around the world, individuals and communities, particularly minorities, face intolerance, discrimination and threats to their places of worship, their livelihoods and even their lives, the UN chief denounced.

In response to this reality, Guterres called for governments, the community and religious leaders to speak out against the incitement to this type of violence.

In addition, he called on interested technology companies to support the UN initiatives in the development of a voluntary Code of Conduct for Information Integrity on Digital Platforms ahead of the 2024 Summit of the Future to address in particular the discourse of intolerance on the Internet.

Hatred in the digital world often results in driving violent physical attacks on religious minorities, Guterres warned in that regard.

“Together, let us honor the victims of violence by striving to build a more inclusive, respectful and peaceful world, one where diversity is celebrated,” he added.

A recent statement issued by independent experts from the UN Human Rights Council acknowledged the “suffering caused by disregard for and violation of human rights, including freedom of religion or beliefs.”

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