He emphasized that the situation has been worsening for three years — despite the efforts of the international community. "We are witnessing a significant increase in Islamophobic sentiments, attacks, and violations of rights. This is a global problem, and all countries must respond to it," Moratinos noted.
According to him, one of the important areas of work should be education and intercultural dialogue. He pointed out that there is a deep misunderstanding of Islam in Western countries. "Many do not know what Islam is. They have not read the Quran and rely on distorted perceptions derived from out-of-context quotes and politicized interpretations. We must invest in education — in schools, in the media, in society as a whole," he added.
In Moratinos's view, ignorance is fertile ground for manipulation. Educational programs should include explanations of the historical context, theological foundations, and cultural diversity of the Islamic world.
This year, the UN plans to present the first global plan to combat Islamophobia. This document, according to Moratinos, will include a historical analysis of the causes of Islamophobia, recommendations for legislative measures, and the establishment of a monitoring system.
In conclusion of his interview, Moratinos noted that humanity must learn to coexist.
