A statement read during the meeting said that as Muslims observe Ramadan many do so “in fear” of discrimination, exclusion and violence and described a rise in anti-Muslim bigotry worldwide. The statement linked the trend to racial profiling, discriminatory policies and attacks on places of worship and warned that assaults on any group threaten the rights and freedoms of all.

The speaker urged governments to foster social cohesion and protect religious freedom, and called on online platforms to curb hate speech and harassment. It closed by urging collective action on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia to uphold equality, human rights and dignity so that people of all faiths can “live in peace and harmony.”