A/HRC/46/30 United Nations General Assembly Distr.: General 13 April 2021 Original: English Human Rights Council Forty-sixth session 22 February–19 March 2021 Agenda item 3 Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development Countering Islamophobia/anti-Muslim hatred to eliminate discrimination and intolerance based on religion or belief Report of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Ahmed Shaheed* Summary In the present report, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Ahmed Shaheed, examines how Islamophobia/anti-Muslim hatred infringes upon freedom of religion or belief. Perpetuating discrimination, hostility and violence towards Muslim individuals and communities, the phenomenon undercuts the ability of affected Muslims to be Muslim and violates their freedom of religion or belief and myriad other human rights. Despite its pervasive impacts, Islamophobia/anti-Muslim hatred remains poorly understood and discussions on how to address its effects are often fraught with tension. The Special Rapporteur unpacks the concept of Islamophobia/anti-Muslim hatred, including the processes of essentialization and racialization that propel this form of bias; documents the experiences of affected communities and the impacts that Islamophobia/anti-Muslim hatred have on human rights; affirms the relevant international human rights framework; and proposes recommendations to address and mitigate the impacts of Islamophobia/anti-Muslim hatred in a manner consistent with international law. * The present report was submitted after the deadline so as to include the most recent information. GE.21-04846(E)