Erdogan Says Islamophobia Is Spreading ‘Like an Epidemic’ Worldwide
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — WEB DESK: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned that hostility towards Islam and Islamophobia are spreading “like an epidemic” around the world, using his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly to call for action against religious hatred while also raising Palestine, Gaza, Kashmir and reform of the UN system.
Addressing world leaders in New York, Erdogan argued that anti-Muslim sentiment was becoming increasingly widespread. His remarks formed part of a broader speech in which he questioned whether the existing international system was capable of responding effectively to conflicts and humanitarian crises.
The Turkish president also renewed his criticism of the United Nations’ current structure. He said the organisation created to maintain international peace and security had become less effective and called for institutional reform. The UN’s own account of Erdogan’s address confirms that he said the organisation was no longer able to fulfil its original peace and security mission.
Erdogan specifically criticised the structure of the UN Security Council, where five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and United States — hold veto powers. He argued that allowing decisions affecting more than 190 countries to depend heavily on five permanent members undermined confidence in the international system.
Palestine and Gaza
Palestine occupied a prominent place in Erdogan’s address. He criticised the absence of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas from the General Assembly for a second consecutive year, describing the situation as another example of what he sees as injustice towards Palestinians.
Erdogan said Türkiye would continue to raise the voice of an independent and sovereign Palestine at the United Nations. He also called on governments that have yet to recognise Palestinian statehood to reconsider their positions.
He expressed grave concern about conditions in Gaza and urged the international community to act to protect Palestinians and end the humanitarian crisis. Türkiye has been a strong critic of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Israel disputes Türkiye’s characterisation of its conduct and says its military actions are directed against security threats.
Erdogan Raises Kashmir at UN
The Turkish president also referred to Kashmir, saying disputes in South Asia, including Kashmir, should be resolved through dialogue within the framework of the UN Charter and relevant resolutions.
His remarks reiterate Türkiye’s established diplomatic position favouring dialogue on Kashmir rather than representing a new UN decision or resolution on the dispute.
Erdogan’s speech came on the opening day of the UNGA general debate, which runs from September 22 to 26 and September 28 in New York. The 81st session itself opened on September 8.
The wider UN debate has also placed renewed attention on hate speech and religious intolerance. Opening the general debate, General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman warned that hateful narratives were spreading rapidly and specifically identified Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia and misogyny as forms of hatred requiring attention.
