http://www.islamonline.org/English/News/2004-01/14/article07.shtml
Since the 9/11 attacks, “many Muslims, particularly in the West, have found themselves the objects of suspicion, harassment and discrimination,” Annan said
U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan condemned on Tuesday, January 13, all hatred and discrimination, with a special nod toward Muslims and Jews, adding that Islamophobia is not a new phenomenon and that it is on the rise in the West.
Addressing a black-tie dinner at the U.N. headquarters in New York, 2001 Nobel Prize winner Annan warned that anti-Semitism and Islamophobia were a challenge to the spirit that he said unites peoples across the globe, reported Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Since the September 11 attacks on the United States, “many Muslims, particularly in the West, have found themselves the objects of suspicion, harassment and discrimination,” the U.N. chief said.
“Too many people see Islam as a monolith and as intrinsically opposed to the West,” he said. “Caricature remains widespread and the gulf of ignorance is dangerously deep.”
Anti-Semitism
Annan also cautioned against anti-Semitism, which he said in part “appears to be a by-product” of the conflict between the Palestinians and Israel.
“Criticism of Israeli policies is one thing. But it is quite another when such critiques take the form of attacks, physical or verbal, on Jewish individuals and the symbols of their heritage and faith,” he added.
“No one should be allowed to use criticism of Israel’s actions as a mask for anti-Semitism. Nor on the other side should Israel’s supporters use the charge of anti-Semitism to stifle legitimate discussion.”
Annan delivered this speech, titled ‘State of the World, Brotherhood of Man’, at the inaugural Robert Burns Memorial Lecture at a gala dinner.
Burns, a famed Scottish poet born in 1759 and who died 37 years later, was described by Annan as an advocate for political and social change and a champion for a world where all people live together in peace.
Quoting one of burns poems, Anana said: “That man to man, the world o’er, Shall brothers be for a’ that,” said Annan, calling – in Burn’s words – for understanding and brotherhood.
“At a time when it is essential for us to tackle our problems together, we seem to be slipping into mutual distrust, protectionism and fear,” Annan said.
Annan urged humankind to find a way to co-exist but cautioned that the fabric of international peace and law “may be starting to unravel,” and urged unity instead of bigotry, mistrust and hatred.
“Living together is the fundamental human project,” he said.