In response to rising anti-Muslim hate, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution last year. Among other measures, it called for the appointment of a Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.

Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) – which promotes intercultural and interfaith dialogue – will be stepping in to the role.

He spoke to UN News’s Abdelmonem Makki about the importance of addressing Islamophobia worldwide, including by promoting better understanding of Islam as well as legal reforms.