Iraq Affirms at UN Session on Islamophobia Its Rejection of Hate Speech and Calls for Strengthening Interfaith Dialogue

New York – March 16, 2026

The Republic of Iraq affirmed its rejection of all forms of Islamophobia and religious hate speech, stressing the importance of promoting the values of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among peoples and cultures.

This came in a statement delivered by Iraq’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Lukman Al-Faily, during the high-level event commemorating the International Day to Combat Islamophobia at the United Nations headquarters.

Ambassador Al-Faily noted that Iraq condemns actions that violate religious sanctities or offend the feelings of believers, emphasizing that freedom of expression should not be exploited to incite hatred or insult the beliefs of others. He also called on member states to strengthen legal frameworks to confront hate speech and violence against followers of religions and to ensure accountability for those who commit such acts.

He stressed that confronting Islamophobia requires strengthening dialogue between religions and cultures and addressing rhetoric that fuels division and racism.

In closing his remarks, he emphasized that throughout its history, Iraq has been a land of religious and cultural diversity and coexistence among its various communities, reaffirming its commitment to working with the international community to promote a culture of tolerance and build more peaceful and just societies.

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