TEHRAN - A top Iranian diplomat has issued a plea to the world stage, calling for a united front against the escalating issue of Islamophobia.

Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, the diplomat urged international cooperation to counteract any actions that could exacerbate this pressing global challenge.

Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani made the remark while delivering a statement at the UN General Assembly before the adoption of draft resolution L.48 “Measures to combat Islamophobia" on Friday.

"Allow me to reiterate our full support to the initiative proposed by the members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to undertake follow up measures to address the growing trend of intolerance and prejudice against Islam and Muslims worldwide, which is a daunting challenge to the international community," he said.

"Harmful stereotypes and prejudices regarding Muslims and Islam have been constantly reinforced by certain media outlets, politicians, and influencers of popular culture" over the past decades, he said, adding that "discriminatory practices" against Muslims in various parts of the world have prevented them "living under their belief system."

"In such a critical moment, it is important to ensure that the United Nations remains united against attempts to embrace Islamophobia," he said, naming Muslim travel bans, Qur'an desecration, and bans on the Hijab and Muslim symbols as such attempts.

Iravani said Iran strongly believes that proposed arrangements in the draft resolution, including decision to appoint a United Nations Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia, will assist the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in mobilizing efforts to combat such overgrowing challenges.

He stressed the need for the General Assembly to strongly condemn violent acts against religious symbols and the holy book of Muslims.

The General Assembly has already recognized the "deeply offensive and disrespectful" desecration of the holy books as a violation of international law, he noted.

"It is unfortunate that such acts take place in countries that claim the establishment and enforcement of the rule of law, and it is reprehensible that such actions are justified under the guise of freedom of expression," the Iranian ambassador pointed out.

He said Iran regrets that despite the best OIC efforts to garner consensus, the member states of the European Union have tabled amendments, which directly affect the core objectives of the draft resolution aimed at combating Islamophobia worldwide.

"Iran aligns its position with the OIC members and strongly objects to these amendments and urges entire members to vote against them," he added.

He called on all member states to shoulder their responsibilities and live up to their legal obligations in order to advance the shared values of peaceful coexistence, tolerance and mutual understanding.

The United Nations declared March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia through a resolution back in 2022.

In doing so, the world body urged nations across the international community to adopt clear stances and measures aimed at confronting hatred, discrimination, and violence against Muslims around the globe.

In a post on X on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian urged a united endeavor on the part of the entire Muslim world towards confronting Islamophobia.

He defined “confronting Islamophobia” as “the Muslim nation’s collective endeavor aimed at [creating] effective deterrence in the face of seditious movements that are against sustainable peace and security.”

Also, Iran’s top human rights official has urged governments and policymakers across the world to ratify laws and devise policies that would defend Muslims’ rights and ensure their all-out inclusion within societies.

Kazem Gharibabadi, secretary of Iran's High Council for Human Rights, made the remarks at a gathering held in Geneva on Friday to mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

He also emphasized the need for reinforcement of dialog among various religions and the promotion of multiculturalism that can, in turn, contribute to the creation of an environment, in which all individuals feel valued and enjoy participation.  

The official identified the international day as the day of constant confrontation against discrimination and prejudice, which is faced by millions among the members of the international Muslim community.

Gharibabadi defined the purpose behind naming the day as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia as enhancement of understanding, promotion of tolerance, and defending Muslims’ rights.

“Islamophobia, which is rooted in ignorance and wrong information as well as intentional actions, manifests itself in various forms, such as hatemongering, violent attacks, and institutionalized and unfortunately government-sponsored discrimination,” he said.