UN passes resolution to combat Islamophobia with overwhelming support
UN General Assembly passes landmark resolution to combat Islamophobia receives overwhelming support from member states with 115 votes in favor
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) endorsed a landmark resolution aimed at addressing the rise of Islamophobia.
The “Measures to combat Islamophobia” resolution received resounding support from member states, with 115 votes in favor, 44 abstentions, and notably, no votes against the resolution.
The genesis of this resolution traces back to a tragic incident – the attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, which claimed the lives of 51 individuals on this day in 2019.
Prompted by this harrowing event, the international community rallied to establish the International Day through a resolution, underscoring the urgency of tackling Islamophobia on a global scale.
Pakistan played a pivotal role in spearheading this resolution, signaling a unified stance among member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in confronting Islamophobia on the world stage.
Speaking from Geneva, Volker Turk, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), reiterated the unequivocal stance of the international community.
“All forms of religious hatred and intolerance are unacceptable,” Turk stated.
UN calls for special envoy to combat Islamophobia
At the heart of the resolution lies a call for the appointment of a U.N. special envoy dedicated to combating Islamophobia.
Additionally, member states are urged to take decisive action against religious intolerance, with a particular emphasis on addressing Islamophobia.
Furthermore, the resolution mandates that the U.N. secretary-general submit a comprehensive report on the implementation of these measures and the ongoing efforts to combat Islamophobia at the upcoming General Assembly session this fall.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the role of online platforms in perpetuating real-life violence, stressing the need for stringent moderation of hate speech and the protection of users from harassment.
“We must confront and root out bigotry in all its forms,” he declared, calling on leaders to denounce inflammatory rhetoric and safeguard religious freedom.
Quran burning act of ‘religious hatred’
The resolution builds upon previous efforts by the U.N. to address religious intolerance, including a resolution adopted last July condemning Quran burning as an act of “religious hatred.”
Drafted by Morocco, this resolution received unanimous support from the 193-member General Assembly.
Additionally, the General Assembly passed a resolution the same month deploring all acts of violence against holy books as violations of international law.
These measures, which define attacks on the Quran as religious hatred and violations of international law, lay crucial groundwork for future action in combating Islamophobia and promoting religious tolerance worldwide.
Source: Newsroom
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